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Zelensky and US Officials Set for Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Ongoing Conflict
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a meeting between Ukrainian and US officials is scheduled for next Monday in Saudi Arabia, coinciding with confirmed US-Russia discussions on the same day. This indicates an ongoing effort to mediate the protracted conflict that has gripped Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
In his comments, Zelensky urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to cease making demands that he described as excessive and counterproductive in the quest for peace. Among these demands from Moscow is the complete cessation of military aid to Ukraine, a condition that the Ukrainian leadership finds unacceptable.
Zelensky also addressed concerns surrounding NATO membership for Ukraine, emphasizing that conceding this issue would represent a significant concession to Russia. Putin has previously insisted that Ukraine’s NATO aspirations be formally abandoned as a precondition for peace, a stance that Zelensky firmly rejects.
Recently, there have been claims circulating from the White House suggesting that Zelensky had discussed the potential transfer of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants to the United States during a conversation with former President Donald Trump. Zelensky dismissed these claims, reaffirming that all nuclear facilities in Ukraine rightfully belong to the Ukrainian people.
However, he did express a willingness for US involvement in the management of the Zaporizhia power plant, which is currently under Russian control, should they assist in its modernization or investment. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that American ownership could serve as a safeguard for Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure.
When asked about the feasibility of making territorial concessions, including the contested Crimea region, Zelensky asserted, “That is a Ukrainian peninsula,” reiterating its significance as an integral part of Ukraine. It’s noteworthy that Crimea is internationally recognized as Ukrainian territory, despite its occupation by Russia since 2014.
Zelensky proposed that a potential ceasefire should first address land and sea hostilities, viewing this as essential to halting ongoing Russian aggression. Recent developments indicated a possible agreement for a halt to strikes targeting energy infrastructure, though actual cessation of hostilities has not yet been achieved.
The humanitarian toll of the ongoing conflict remains severe, with recent attacks in Ukraine resulting in fatalities and injuries. On the flip side, Ukrainian drone operations have also targeted locations in Russia, contributing to a cycle of violence that continues to escalate.
In discussions with European Union (EU) leaders conducted via video link, Zelensky reiterated the importance of sustained military support for Ukraine. He requested at least €5 billion in artillery funding, emphasizing that continued aid is vital for Ukraine’s defense. He also highlighted the need for the EU to participate actively in peace negotiations while discouraging any dilution of pressure on Russia.
As EU leaders convened in Brussels to formulate their defense strategy and security measures for Ukraine, the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, weighed in on future planning for a post-war Ukraine. Starmer indicated that the time for preparatory measures is immediate and proposed the establishment of a “coalition of the willing” to maintain peace following an eventual agreement.
During a visit to a military base in London, he stressed the necessity of planning, acknowledging that peace negotiations may transpire in stages, but asserting that early preparation would enhance the effectiveness of future efforts. In a related closed-door meeting, Starmer consulted with senior military officials from nations aligned with the coalition, which is projected to include over 30 countries under UK and French leadership.
As the situation evolves, all eyes will remain on the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, as stakeholders seek a resolution to a conflict that has wrought considerable suffering and disruption across the region.
Source
www.bbc.com