US and Ukraine prepare to negotiate ceasefire in conflict with Russia

(CLO) Senior US and Ukrainian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss a ceasefire in the conflict with Russia.

US Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, confirmed the meeting will take place in Saudi Arabia, possibly in Riyadh or Jeddah, with the aim of establishing a framework for a peace deal and an initial ceasefire.

The meeting is aimed at finding a peace deal, with both sides involved. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he wanted a “meaningful meeting” and stressed that Ukraine was ready to take the necessary steps to achieve peace.

He stressed that the ceasefire must be the first step toward a comprehensive security agreement. The meeting is expected to take place next Wednesday, after Mr Zelenskyy meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the source said.

Photo illustration: John DiJulio/University Communications

The meeting comes as relations between the US and Ukraine have deteriorated significantly over the past week, with President Donald Trump and Mr Zelenskyy publicly arguing in the Oval Office.

Tensions flared when he expressed concern about the lack of military security guarantees, while the US said economic guarantees would be enough to deter Russia. After the meeting, the US cut off military aid and NATO intelligence channels to Ukraine, making Kiev's fighting ability difficult.

Mr Zelenskyy wrote on social network X that he was looking for a rapid process towards peace and that Ukraine was preparing practical proposals. He said the immediate priority was a ceasefire in the air and at sea, ensuring the safety of civilian infrastructure and shipping in the Black Sea.

Ngoc Anh (according to Newsweek, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/my-va-ukraine-chuan-bi-dam-phan-ve-lenh-ngu-ban-trong-cuoc-xung-dot-voi-nga-post337463.html