Red lines and Ukrainian DM's role in Jeddah talks: RBC-Ukraine reveals details of meeting
Photo: Ukrainian and American officials meet in Saudi Arabia (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian delegation at the meeting with the US in Saudi Arabia outlined its red lines in the peace process, particularly regarding army size limitations, an informed source told RBC-Ukraine.
Red lines
According to the source, Ukraine cannot abandon its ambition to join NATO or accept restrictions on its army size.
"Russia must not have any veto power," the source emphasized.
How the talks unfolded
The source explained that Ukraine entered the Jeddah talks with three main priorities: an air ceasefire, a maritime ceasefire, and the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and children. These positions had been coordinated with Europe in advance.
However, during the negotiations, the US proposed a full ceasefire rather than a partial one. In exchange, Washington pledged to restore military aid to Ukraine and share intelligence.
The RBC-Ukraine source stressed that Ukraine agreed to this proposal but only under the condition that the ceasefire would be time-limited (up to 30 days).
"It is important for us to prevent any frozen conflict," the source explained.
Umerov’s role
The source highlighted that following the meeting in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine was able to return to a “normal track” in its relations with the US.
According to the source, the Ukrainian delegation presented the Americans with an updated battlefield map, explaining which territories Russia had occupied, when, and why these areas were strategically important for it. These arguments were accepted by the US side.
The source also noted the role of Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who “knew how to find the right words” during the talks with the Americans.
Meeting between Ukraine and the United States
On Tuesday, March 11, Ukrainian and American officials met in Saudi Arabia. They held lengthy and meaningful talks.
In particular, the United States proposed that Ukraine establish a ceasefire with Russia. Ukraine agreed to take such a step.
