The US government believes Ukraine is prepared to negotiate on a truce, as Secretary of State Rubio arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks.
**US and Ukraine Seek Path to Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions**
**US and Ukraine Seek Path to Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Tensions**
Discussions are underway between US officials and Ukraine as they push forward on ceasefire demands with Russia.
In the evolving backdrop of ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a senior US state department official has expressed optimism that Ukrainian leadership is "ready to move forward" regarding a ceasefire with Russia. This sentiment comes as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz prepare to engage in critical discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. President Donald Trump has intensified his pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to embrace a swift ceasefire, albeit without immediate US security assurances.
The backdrop of these negotiations stems from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, which has seen Moscow gain control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Notably, just days earlier, tensions mounted between Trump and Zelensky during an encounter at the White House, with Trump suggesting that Zelensky was reluctant to end hostilities.
The US state department official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the senior-level talks signal Ukraine's readiness to pursue negotiations. Although Zelensky himself will be present in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not anticipated to participate formally in the discussions between the US and Ukraine, which will instead include Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, as well as the national security adviser and defense and foreign ministers.
In a recent video address, Zelensky expressed hope for positive outcomes that would bring Ukraine closer to peace and continued support. Despite US pressure for concessions on Zelensky's part, he has consistently sought robust security guarantees for Ukraine, citing prior violations of ceasefire agreements by Russia.
On the US side, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned that Trump's team aims to establish a "framework" for peace during the Saudi talks. Furthermore, a significant minerals deal, initially stalled due to recent tensions, appears to be back on the agenda. Ukraine has proposed access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for US security guarantees.
The previous confrontation at the White House saw US military aid to Ukraine paused, along with intelligence sharing. When queried about the potential for lifting the intelligence pause, Trump remarked, "Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done," without providing specifics.
This upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia will be a critical juncture in the quest for peace in the ongoing conflict, and a potential turning point in US-Ukraine relations.
The backdrop of these negotiations stems from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin in February 2022, which has seen Moscow gain control over approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory. Notably, just days earlier, tensions mounted between Trump and Zelensky during an encounter at the White House, with Trump suggesting that Zelensky was reluctant to end hostilities.
The US state department official, speaking anonymously, indicated that the senior-level talks signal Ukraine's readiness to pursue negotiations. Although Zelensky himself will be present in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he is not anticipated to participate formally in the discussions between the US and Ukraine, which will instead include Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak, as well as the national security adviser and defense and foreign ministers.
In a recent video address, Zelensky expressed hope for positive outcomes that would bring Ukraine closer to peace and continued support. Despite US pressure for concessions on Zelensky's part, he has consistently sought robust security guarantees for Ukraine, citing prior violations of ceasefire agreements by Russia.
On the US side, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned that Trump's team aims to establish a "framework" for peace during the Saudi talks. Furthermore, a significant minerals deal, initially stalled due to recent tensions, appears to be back on the agenda. Ukraine has proposed access to its rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for US security guarantees.
The previous confrontation at the White House saw US military aid to Ukraine paused, along with intelligence sharing. When queried about the potential for lifting the intelligence pause, Trump remarked, "Well, we just about have. I mean, we really just about have and we want to do anything we can to get Ukraine to be serious about getting something done," without providing specifics.
This upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia will be a critical juncture in the quest for peace in the ongoing conflict, and a potential turning point in US-Ukraine relations.
