Ukraine talks: what's on the table in Saudi Arabia?
Talks aimed at finding a way to end Russia's war against Ukraine are underway in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met individually with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ahead of the summit. Today, government representatives from the US and Ukraine will negotiate directly with each other. Europe's presses focuses on the limited leeway that Washington is allowing Kyiv.
Zelensky under pressure
The situation on the front lines leaves Ukraine little room for manoeuvre, Correio da Manhã explains:
“The resistance is hanging by a thread. ... Without military support from the US, which has also cut off access to satellite images and classified information, Ukraine is going through one of the most difficult phases since the war began. ... This is Trump's formula for forcing Zelensky to the negotiating table: turning his back on him, even if it means losing territory. Despite repeated promises of support Europe is powerless, and it seems increasingly clear that the war will end when and how the Americans want it to.”
Kyiv proposes compromise
There can be no doubt about Ukraine's desire to reach a deal, Avvenire points out:
“According to unofficial reports, the Ukrainian delegation is ready to propose a partial ceasefire covering the Black Sea and long-range missile attacks, as well as the release of prisoners. Russia is expected to do the same, although there are no definite signals from Moscow right now.”
The drama unfolds
Zelensky has the choice between a rock and a hard place, Der Tagesspiegel summarises:
“Option one: no agreement is reached. The war continues, only without US support. But without American reconnaissance systems and modern defence weapons, Ukraine would be almost blind and substantially weakened on the battlefield. ... Option two: an agreement is reached. This, however - as Putin has made absolutely clear - will cement Russia's occupation of Crimea and eastern Ukraine and rule out Ukraine's Nato membership. ... So the painful drama in Saudi Arabia continues to unfold.”
Americans want to stop doling out money
Pravda advises approaching the negotiations without illusions:
“Although the rhetoric of the White House boss, his intimidation and threats are unacceptable, he is still the American president, and we should respect him. Trump was elected president by the US citizens, he did not delegate himself into office. And a large part of the American people don't want to keep pouring money into the war in Ukraine because they don't see any returns for it, because they don't see the 'light at the end of the tunnel'. Many don't even really know where Ukraine is.”
Alienation of allies will backfire
Trump's ruthlessness in dealing with long-standing partners will weaken the US in the long term, predicts LRT:
“Trump may believe that allies are neither necessary nor useful. But if a circle of friends built up over decades is scattered in the blink of an eye, the US's power in the world will dwindle. Of all countries, China and Russia will be most delighted by this - their strategic goal for many years has been to destroy the transatlantic connection. Now it is beginning to crumble, while Beijing and Moscow watch and wait from the sidelines.”