Ukraine Refrains from Participating in US-Russia Talks Scheduled in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine has announced it will not participate in upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as they will be bilateral. The outcome of a phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy remains significant for Ukraine’s future involvement. Negotiations aim to discuss a ceasefire, but Russia has imposed stringent conditions.

The Ukrainian delegation has confirmed it will not participate in the upcoming negotiations between the United States and Russia scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, as stated by Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to the head of the Presidential Office. Podolyak emphasized that the discussions will be solely bilateral, thus Ukraine does not intend to be involved at this time.

Podolyak mentioned the significance of waiting for the outcome of the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This call will help clarify when Ukraine might participate in future negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict.

Reflecting on the prior meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, Podolyak remarked on the emotional nature of that discussion, indicating that unresolved contradictions had emerged. He highlighted that these contradictions would influence the negotiations taking place in Saudi Arabia among US and Ukrainian officials.

The United States and Russia are set to resume ceasefire negotiations regarding Ukraine in the days ahead, as confirmed by US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. This meeting will occur in Saudi Arabia and aims to discuss the potential expansion of a partial ceasefire, based on terms previously negotiated by President Trump.

Recent discussions between President Putin and President Trump highlighted the challenges in achieving a full ceasefire, with Russia imposing stringent conditions. Nevertheless, Putin has suggested a cessation of attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as a potential concession. Simultaneously, a phone call between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump occurred on March 19, marking a pivotal dialogue following their prior disagreements at the White House.

In summary, Ukraine has opted out of the upcoming US-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia, focusing instead on the results of the conversation between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. Ongoing tensions and unanswered questions from past meetings contribute to Ukraine’s decision. The upcoming talks aim to address a ceasefire, yet challenges persist, particularly concerning Russia’s conditions.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua