U.S.-Ukraine Talks Yield Joint Statement and Ceasefire Proposals in Jeddah

The U.S. and Ukraine will present a joint statement regarding talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a potential ceasefire in the conflict with Russia and military aid restoration. Key officials from both nations participated in discussions, including a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire subject to Russian compliance. Half of Ukrainians worry about Western military aid hesitance due to fear of a Russian defeat.

The United States and Ukraine are set to release a joint statement detailing their recent discussions held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as reported by the Financial Times on March 11. These discussions centered on the ongoing negotiations regarding a potential ceasefire in the conflict with Russia and the restoration of U.S. military aid and intelligence support.

During these talks, the Ukrainian delegation, which included key officials such as Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, focused on proposing a ceasefire that would encompass both maritime and aerial operations, along with a prohibition on long-range strikes. An official stated that this ceasefire would be “easy to install and to monitor.”

The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, engaged in discussions about the potential collapse of a minerals deal that occurred on February 28. Notably, this failure followed tense exchanges involving President Volodymyr Zelensky and key figures in the U.S. administration, including President Donald Trump.

As a significant outcome of these talks, Ukraine expressed readiness to accept a 30-day ceasefire, contingent upon compliance from Russia, which could be extended through mutual agreement. Furthermore, an opinion poll indicated that over half of Ukrainians perceive Western hesitation in providing military assistance, fearing that a potential Russian defeat would lead to adverse consequences.

The talks concluded without a planned continuation for a second day, signaling a critical moment in the ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Ukraine as they navigate the complexities of war and diplomacy in the region.

In summary, the recent discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine in Jeddah represent a pivotal effort to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. The proposal of a potential ceasefire and the discussions surrounding military aid highlight the intricate dynamics at play. As both nations strive for strategic resolutions, opinions within Ukraine reflect a broader concern regarding Western support amid the ongoing hostilities.

Original Source: kyivindependent.com