The Trump administration believes Ukraine is prepared to engage in US-backed ceasefire negotiations with Russia, a senior State Department official has stated.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are set to meet Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the potential truce.

President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to agree to a swift ceasefire with Moscow. However, Washington has yet to offer any firm security guarantees to Kyiv.

Tensions between the two leaders flared ten days ago during a heated exchange at the White House, where Trump accused Zelensky of hesitating to end the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, continues to control approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory.

A State Department official, speaking anonymously, said, "The fact that senior Ukrainian officials are coming here indicates they are ready to move forward."

Zelensky is also expected to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, though he will not take part in the official negotiations with the US delegation. Ukraine will be represented by Andriy Yermak, the country's national security adviser, as well as foreign and defense ministers.

In a Sunday night address, Zelensky expressed hope that the discussions would bring peace closer while ensuring continued support for Ukraine. However, he has faced mounting US pressure to compromise, while insisting that Moscow has violated past ceasefire agreements.

The White House’s recent diplomatic rift with Ukraine led to a temporary freeze on US military aid and intelligence-sharing. However, when asked on Sunday about lifting the restrictions, Trump stated, "We just about have," without elaborating further.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1200 HRS, MAR 10, 2025
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