JEDDAH: Talks between the US and Ukraine aimed at ending the war with Russia took place in Jeddah on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The administration of US President Donald Trump agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, and Kyiv signaled that it was open to a 30-day ceasefire in the war with Russia, pending Moscow’s agreement, American and Ukrainian officials said following the talks.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US would present the ceasefire offer to the Kremlin.
“We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no,” Rubio said.
The talks were held at the direction of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and took place in the presence of the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Minister of State and Member of the Council of Ministers Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban. (SPA)
The US was represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, while Ukraine was represented by the head of the Ukrainian presidential office Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
The talks come within the Kingdom’s efforts to resolve the crisis in Ukraine, thanks to its balanced relations with various parties, and as part of its efforts to enhance global security and peace, SPA said.
They are based on Saudi Arabia’s belief in the importance of adhering to international laws and norms, and that dialogue is the most successful means of resolving disputes and bringing viewpoints closer together, SPA added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky left the Kingdom early on Tuesday morning after meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a brief visit before the talks started.
After the meeting, Saudi Arabia expressed hope that efforts would succeed in ending the crisis in Ukraine in line with international law and the United Nations Charter, including respect for the principles of sovereignty and internationally recognized borders.
Kyiv expressed appreciation for Riyadh’s efforts in hosting talks between Ukraine and the US, and for humanitarian and development aid provided by the Kingdom.
Here follows the full text of the joint US-Ukrainian statement that was published after bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah on Tuesday:
Today in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – under the gracious hospitality of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – the United States and Ukraine took important steps toward restoring durable peace for Ukraine.
Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defense of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace.
The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the US Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.
Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.
The United States will immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.
The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian relief efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the above-mentioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
Both delegations agreed to name their negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations toward an enduring peace that provides for Ukraine’s long-term security. The United States committed to discussing these specific proposals with representatives from Russia. The Ukrainian delegation reiterated that European partners shall be involved in the peace process.
Lastly, both countries’ presidents agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources to expand Ukraine’s economy and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security.
* With AP
