Peace Talks for Ukraine Scheduled in Saudi Arabia

In the coming days, negotiations aimed at establishing peace in Ukraine are set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Representatives from the United States and Russia are expected to engage in discussions, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio leading the American delegation. The goal is to seek an end to the ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine, as indicated by a U.S. government official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Alongside Rubio, key figures such as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will participate in the talks. The composition of the Russian delegation remains unspecified.

Witkoff had previously announced the upcoming discussions on the U.S. network Fox, expressing hope for significant progress regarding the standoff between Russia and Ukraine. This announcement follows a recent extensive phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which Trump instructed negotiators to commence dialogues aimed at ceasing hostilities. Trump also communicated with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding these developments.

Uncertainty surrounds Ukraine's participation in the talks. Reports reveal that a Ukrainian delegation, led by Economic Minister Julia Swyrydenko, has arrived in Saudi Arabia to explore the potential for a visit by President Zelensky. However, the specifics of this visit, including its connection to the peace talks initiated by Trump, remain unclear.

During a press briefing, Trump assured that Zelensky would be involved but did not elaborate on the nature of this involvement. Zelensky has previously stated his refusal to accept negotiations that exclude Ukraine from the process. Additionally, European governments have expressed the necessity of including Ukraine in the discussions.

Andrij Jermak, head of the presidential office in Kyiv, stated via Telegram that a direct meeting between Ukrainian and Russian representatives does not appear imminent. Mychajlo Podoljak, another advisor to Zelensky, refuted claims that Ukraine would take part in the U.S.-Russia meetings in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that there are no substantial discussion points worthy of consideration.

The U.S. official reiterated that the upcoming dialogues represent an early stage of negotiations, which are still evolving. Changes to who will ultimately participate in the discussions are still possible.

In parallel, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a willingness to deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine if necessary, as he addressed a crisis meeting of European allies in Paris. In an opinion piece for the 'Telegraph', Starmer indicated that the UK is prepared to take a leading role in establishing security guarantees for Ukraine, including the potential stationing of troops if a cessation of hostilities occurs.

This marks the first time Starmer has made such specific comments regarding military involvement. He acknowledged the serious implications of potentially placing British soldiers in harm's way but underscored the importance of ensuring Ukraine's security for the broader safety of Europe.

Starmer is expected to meet with Trump in the coming days, emphasizing the need for continued collaboration between Europe and the United States regarding the situation in Ukraine. Diplomats attending the Paris meeting will also discuss how European nations can contribute to a potential peace agreement, with the idea of sending a peacekeeping force gaining traction in discussions, particularly in France and the UK.