Ukraine is set to propose a naval and aerial cease-fire with Russia during peace talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. The proposal aims to establish a temporary truce in the sky and at sea as a starting point for peace negotiations. The Ukrainian official mentioned that these options are easy to install and monitor, making them feasible to initiate.
The US delegation will be assessing whether Ukraine is willing to make concessions to Russia to end the ongoing conflict. American officials will also be looking for signs of improved relations between Ukraine and the Trump administration following a contentious meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The talks will not include Russian officials.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, flew to Jeddah for the peace talks. The goal is to determine if Ukraine is committed to achieving a realistic peace settlement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly open to discussing a temporary truce in Ukraine if the terms of a final peace agreement are established. Russia is interested in outlining the details of a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, including the involvement of other countries.
While Zelensky will not attend the peace talks, he is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Zelensky has called for more sanctions against Russia in response to recent airstrikes in Ukraine that resulted in casualties, including civilians and children.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains committed to seeking peace and has emphasized the importance of swift and effective action. The Ukrainian leader will continue to work towards peace during his visit to Saudi Arabia and hopes that the talks with US officials will yield positive results.
President Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, believing that progress can be made in resolving the conflict. The discussions between Ukraine, the US, and other key stakeholders are crucial in advancing the peace process and ensuring stability in the region.
Overall, the peace talks in Saudi Arabia represent a significant opportunity to address the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.