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ASIA, BILATERAL TALKS, BLACK SEA, DEFENCE, DEFENSE, EUROPE, EUROPE/ASIA, GEOPOLITICS, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, KY, KYIV, MIDDLE, MOSCOW, NORTH AMERICA, RUSSIA, RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR, RUST, RUSTEM UMEROV, SAUDI ARABIA, UKRAINE, UNITED STATES, US, VOLODYMYR ZELENSKYY, WASHINGTON, ZELENSKYY
Clara Montgomery
Differentiating Diplomatic Statements: US-Ukraine vs US-Russia Agreements Post-Talks
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy noted key differences between US-Ukraine and US-Russia agreements following talks in Saudi Arabia. The accords include commitments to maritime safety, cessation of strikes on infrastructure, control measures, and a focus on lasting peace. Zelenskyy emphasized significant divergences, particularly regarding agricultural export discussions, reflecting Ukraine’s priorities and concerns.
On March 25, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated clear distinctions between the negotiations held by the United States with Ukraine and Russia after meetings in Saudi Arabia. The discussions involved confronting issues of maritime safety, as both the US and Russia reached an agreement to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov remarked that any movement of Russian military vessels beyond the eastern Black Sea would breach this accord.
During a briefing, President Zelenskyy announced the issuance of two separate statements following the Saudi Arabia talks: one summarizing the agreements between the US and Ukraine, and the other reflecting the US-Russia discussions. The most significant disparity between the two agreements is noted in the fifth point of each.
“First and foremost, we agreed on ensuring calm at sea and safe navigation,” President Zelenskyy emphasized during the briefing. He affirmed that the Ukrainian delegation extensively discussed with their US counterparts the cessation of attacks on infrastructure, asserting that infrastructure considerations are imperative for maintaining maritime calm and safety.
Furthermore, the agreements include a commitment to refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia, with Kyiv providing the US a list of what it deems strategic infrastructure. Concerns were raised regarding the safeguarding of civilian infrastructure, although this aspect will not be overtly mentioned in the formal statement.
“However, we reached an understanding,” remarked Zelenskyy, noting that the US side views the energy infrastructure agreement as encompassing civilian structures as well. “Ensuring no strikes on energy facilities is already a significant result,” he reiterated.
Control and monitoring measures formed the third point of agreement. “We agreed with the US that third parties, such as European countries or Türkiye, could be involved,” Zelenskyy explained, also highlighting that Middle Eastern countries might participate in ensuring maritime security.
Additionally, the fourth point seeks to pursue lasting peace, with Zelenskyy stating, “We reaffirm our readiness to move swiftly toward an unconditional ceasefire and subsequent steps toward a sustainable and just peace.”
The divergence between US-Ukraine and US-Russia agreements is encapsulated in the fifth point. “As far as we know, Russia raised the issue of US assistance in facilitating Russian agricultural exports,” Zelenskyy articulated, clarifying that Ukraine disagreed to include this provision in their joint statement, perceiving it as a diminishment of sanctions.
Considering Ukraine was not present at the US-Russia meeting, the specifics of this condition remain ambiguous. President Zelenskyy reiterated that discussions related to an unconditional ceasefire were distinct from agricultural export considerations. He underscored that even partial ceasefire understandings must not compromise sanctions against Russian agricultural goods.
Moreover, Ukraine emphasizes the urgency of repatriating abducted and deported children, alongside the exchange of prisoners of war and civilian hostages. “That is why there will be two statements,” Zelenskyy concluded, adding that Ukraine’s position will explicitly highlight the US’s commitment to assist with the return of children and hostages, contrasting with Russia’s separate agreements with the US.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s statements outline significant differences between the agreements reached in US-Ukraine negotiations and those established with Russia. The discussions emphasized maritime safety, cessation of attacks on infrastructure, and control measures while underscoring Ukraine’s insistence on preserving sanctions against Russia. The two separate statements will distinctly convey the outcomes of each set of negotiations, reflecting Ukraine’s priorities regarding abducted individuals and energy infrastructure protection.
Original Source: euromaidanpress.com
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