Zelensky: Ukraine is Fully Committed to Constructive Negotiations with the U.S.

The President of Ukraine states that his country is fully committed to engaging in constructive negotiations with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia; discussions are set to take place next week to find a way to end the war with Russia. Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media on Saturday, March 9, "Ukraine has been seeking peace since the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key point is to act quickly and effectively." He announced his intention to travel to Saudi Arabia next week and, after meeting with Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, Ukrainian diplomatic and military representatives will remain in the country to meet with the American team on Tuesday. Mr. Zelensky continued, "We are fully committed to constructive dialogue and hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and actions." Two days earlier, he had also urged European Union leaders to support the idea of establishing a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Meanwhile, Steven Witkoff, a special envoy from Trump, has stated that he is negotiating with Ukraine to reach a framework for ending the three-year war with Russia and will hold a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia next week. The Ukrainian delegation traveling to Saudi Arabia includes Andriy Yermak, head of Volodymyr Zelensky's office, Andriy Sibih, the foreign minister, and Rustem Umerov, the defense minister of Ukraine. Riyadh hosted negotiations last month between American and Russian officials to explore ways to end the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II. Ukraine was not present at these negotiations, which raised concerns for Kyiv and its European allies. The Trump administration recently halted military aid to Ukraine and intelligence cooperation with Kyiv. Donald Trump has accused Volodymyr Zelensky of not being serious about reaching a peace agreement with Russia. The U.S. President met with Donald Trump at the White House last week, but the meeting was accompanied by a verbal altercation, and Volodymyr Zelensky left the White House early. Following this meeting, Donald Trump stated that Zelensky is not seeking peace with Russia and only wants to "fight and fight," but added, "He can come back when he is ready for peace." Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago and currently controls about 20% of the country's territory. As the negotiating teams prepare for talks in Saudi Arabia and seek a way to achieve lasting peace, local officials reported that Russian airstrikes last night left at least 20 dead in eastern Ukraine; 11 of them were killed in the city of Dobropillia in the Donetsk region. In response to these attacks, Volodymyr Zelensky called for further sanctions against Russia. He wrote on Telegram about the recent Russian attacks: "Such attacks show that Russia's goals have not changed. Therefore, it is very important to continue efforts to protect people's lives, strengthen air defense, and increase sanctions against Russia." Following the attacks on the evening of March 8, Donald Trump threatened Russia that he is seriously considering more sanctions against the country.