Zelensky talks about US-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has shared his perspective on recent negotiations between Washington and Kiev, following two White House statements on US discussions with both Ukraine and Russia.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Zelensky expressed willingness to abide by US President Donald Trump’s proposed agreement with Russia to halt strikes on energy infrastructure and cease hostilities in the Black Sea. According to the White House, Washington and Kiev have committed to ensuring safe navigation, preventing the use of force, and prohibiting commercial vessels from being used for military purposes in the region.

“We do not strike their energy, they do not strike ours,” Zelensky said, acknowledging that while many details remain unclear, this was the basic framework of the agreement. He noted that a list of Ukrainian facilities designated as “strategic infrastructure” for protection under the truce was ultimately not included in the final document. Additionally, no penalties were outlined for violations, as the US was keen to keep the deal intact.

Zelensky also highlighted that the White House statement on US-Ukraine talks included commitments to facilitating prisoner exchanges and the release of civilian detainees. However, he criticized the separate US-Russia discussions, particularly Washington’s willingness to ease restrictions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and improve access to ports and payment systems for Russian trade.

He accused the US of engaging in these talks with Russia without properly consulting Ukraine. “We did not agree to include this in a joint document. We see this as a weakening of positions and a softening of sanctions,” Zelensky stated, adding that the topic was not on Ukraine’s agenda and that Washington had overstepped by discussing it with Moscow.

Meanwhile, Moscow confirmed that its negotiations with the US in Riyadh primarily focused on Black Sea security and the possible revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. This 2022 agreement, brokered by the UN and Türkiye, allowed Ukraine to export agricultural goods while the West was supposed to ease restrictions on Russian food and fertilizer trade. Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023, citing the West’s failure to meet its obligations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has since insisted that Moscow will only rejoin the agreement if it receives firm guarantees from the US. He argued that only a direct order from Washington to Zelensky’s government could ensure Kiev’s compliance, stressing that “Russia cannot take anyone’s word at face value” given Ukraine’s track record of unfulfilled commitments.

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