In a recent development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has openly criticized former U.
S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that Trump is entrenched in a "disinformation space" concerning the ongoing peace negotiations with Russia.
Zelenskyy's remarks came during a press briefing in Kyiv, following his decision to cancel a planned visit to Saudi Arabia, where American and Russian officials had engaged in peace talks earlier in the week.
According to Fox News, Zelenskyy's decision to forgo the Saudi trip was perceived as a direct response to the agreements reached between Trump's representatives and Russian officials during their discussions.
Trump, in turn, launched a verbal offensive against Zelenskyy and Ukraine, implying that Ukraine bore responsibility for the protracted conflict. "Today I heard, Oh well, we werent invited.' Well, you've been there for three years. You shouldve ended it after three years. You shouldve never started it. You couldve made a deal," Trump stated, seemingly holding Ukraine accountable for the ongoing war.
In an effort to address the situation, Trump's envoy, retired 3-star General Keith Kellog, traveled to Kyiv to engage in talks with Zelenskyy. Ukrainian authorities have underscored the necessity of U.S. security guarantees as a prerequisite for any peace agreement, aiming to prevent further Russian aggression. Kellog acknowledged this need, stating, "We understand the need for security guarantees," and emphasized the significance of Ukraine's sovereignty and independence. He further noted, "Part of my mission is to sit and listen."
Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio led the U.S. delegation in Saudi Arabia, where he met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce confirmed that Rubio's team had reached an understanding to "lay the groundwork for cooperation" with Russia on various matters, including the Ukrainian conflict. The parties also agreed to establish "high-level teams" to work towards a resolution.
The proposed framework for a peace agreement envisions a ceasefire, followed by elections in Ukraine and the signing of a final accord. Diplomatic sources have indicated that compelling Ukraine to conduct new elections could be a pivotal element of the peace deal. Both the U.S. and Russia reportedly believe that President Zelenskyy faces slim prospects of re-election.
"Putin assesses the probability of electing a puppet president as quite high and is also convinced that any candidate other than the current President of Ukraine will be more flexible and ready for negotiations and concessions," the diplomatic sources revealed.
As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, recognizing the potential implications of these negotiations on the broader geopolitical landscape. The emphasis on security guarantees and the prospect of new elections underscore the complexities involved in reaching a sustainable peace agreement. With the involvement of key global players, the outcome of these talks could significantly influence the future of Ukraine and its sovereignty.
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