Ukraine will participate in peace talks, Zelenskyy confirms one week after Oval Office fracas
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his team will be meeting with their American counterparts in Saudi Arabia for peace talks. This decision comes in the aftermath of a tense Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, which resulted in Zelenskyy leaving the White House ahead of schedule.
In a statement on X, Zelenskyy revealed his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia to meet with the Crown Prince, followed by continued discussions with American partners. He emphasized Ukraine’s strong desire for peace, stating, “Ukraine is most interested in peace.”
Following these developments, Ukrainian opposition leaders Petro Poroshenko and Yulia Tymoshenko confirmed their own talks with the U.S., denying any involvement in a reported White House plan to oust Zelenskyy from power. President Trump had previously criticized Zelenskyy for not holding elections, but Poroshenko argued against wartime elections and advocated for them to be conducted once martial law is lifted.
In response to Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace talks, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, who will be part of the delegation in Saudi Arabia, called for stronger sanctions against Russia if the attacks persist. President Trump indicated that sanctions against Moscow are under consideration in light of the recent aggression.
The attack on Ukraine’s energy supply resulted in injuries to at least 10 individuals, including a child. Zelenskyy condemned the violence and reiterated Ukraine’s dedication to achieving peace, urging Russia to cease its military actions. The Kremlin defended the attack as justified due to Ukraine’s military industrial complex and weapons production.
Throughout the ongoing conflict, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure multiple times, causing significant damage. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of ending the war by halting attacks on civilian infrastructure and military operations in the Black Sea.
In a joint session of Congress, President Trump shared a letter he received from Zelenskyy, expressing Ukraine’s readiness to engage in negotiations for lasting peace. Trump commended Zelenskyy’s commitment to peace and expressed his willingness to work together to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Zelenskyy’s focus on peace following the Oval Office confrontation with President Trump highlights his determination to prioritize diplomatic solutions. Despite the challenges and tensions surrounding the conflict, both leaders appear to be committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
