US Team to Meet Ukrainian Officials in Saudi Arabia Ahead of Russian Talks
The US technical team plans to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia before negotiations with Russia. The initial meeting, deemed technical, may lead to further discussions depending on progress made with the Russian team during subsequent negotiations. Notably, high-level representatives will attend from Ukraine, ensuring professional expertise in the dialogue.
A United States technical team is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, prior to negotiations with Russia. The meeting will take place on Sunday, with discussions featuring the Russian delegation planned for Monday. According to CBS News reporter Jennifer Jacobs, if progress is observed, a subsequent meeting may be arranged between the US technical team and Ukrainian officials later that same day.
Reports indicate that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will not attend the negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Jacobs elaborates that the focus of the initial meeting is to facilitate ceasefire discussions, leaving room for further engagement depending on the outcomes of the Russian conversations.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that this meeting marks the first encounter between the US and Ukrainian teams, emphasizing its technical nature rather than political. There will be no interactions planned with the Russian side during this session.
Additionally, Keith Kellogg, the US Special Representative for Ukraine, indicated that the aim of these indirect negotiations is to ascertain the positions and conditions of both Ukraine and Russia regarding a ceasefire. President Zelenskyy assured that the Ukrainian delegation would comprise highly qualified individuals, notably including Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
In summary, the US technical team will meet with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia ahead of Russian negotiations, with a potential for further discussions should progress ensue. The meeting is characterized as a technical one without direct engagement with the Russians. Both the US and Ukrainian representatives aim to clarify the conditions necessary for ending the conflict, relying on the expertise of their respective delegations.
Original Source: unn.ua
