France USA and Ukraine resume talks after scandal
A week and a half after the unprecedented scandal in Washington, the USA and Ukraine are making a new attempt to discuss ways out of the Russian war of aggression. Immediately before the meeting of an American and a Ukrainian delegation today in the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope that progress could be made. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that his country would be "very constructive" in the talks. Ukraine is also being discussed in Paris today: The chiefs of staff of countries that support Ukraine are discussing the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops.
11.03.2025, 05:11
SDA
Selensky has traveled to Saudi Arabia, but does not want to attend the meeting with the US representatives in person. The Ukrainian delegation includes his Chancellery Chief Andriy Yermak and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. For the US side, Rubio will reportedly be joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
Rubio did not rule out an informal meeting with Zelensky - and expressed optimism. "We wouldn't be here if we weren't," he replied to questions from journalists on the eve of the talks. The decisive factor in the meeting was the extent to which the Ukrainians were prepared to do difficult things, just as the Russians had to do difficult things in order to end the war. Rubio hinted that the Ukrainians could also expect more US aid again if the talks went well. They were already receiving intelligence for defensive purposes again.
Selensky suggested the release of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian children to their homeland as confidence-building measures for peace talks with Moscow. This could be "an important step towards confidence-building in diplomatic efforts", he wrote on Platform X after a meeting with the Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler of the kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman.
The Ukrainian government accuses the Russian invaders of abducting thousands of children from the occupied territories - this is the main reason why the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Russia's President Vladimir Putin in March 2023. Communication for the exchange of prisoners is practically the only channel of communication still functioning between Kiev and Moscow. Both warring parties have already exchanged thousands of prisoners in several operations. It is unclear how many prisoners there are still on both sides.
Scandal has worsened Ukraine's position
Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's invasion for more than three years with Western support. However, its position has deteriorated further since the open dispute in the White House at the end of February. Back then, Trump and his Vice President J.D. Vance sharply rebuked the Ukrainian head of state in front of the cameras. They accused Zelensky of ingratitude and a lack of desire for peace.
Trump wants to force a quick end to the war. He is putting pressure on Kiev by halting arms deliveries, at least for the time being, but has so far been far less demanding towards the aggressor Russia. The USA is also no longer supplying reconnaissance data to Kiev. As a result, the Ukrainian army lacks information about Russian troop concentrations.
Although Moscow has signaled its willingness to negotiate in principle, it is sticking to its maximum demands. Trump has adopted many of the Russian conditions - and also Putin's style on several occasions. For example, Ukraine should not be allowed to become a member of NATO.
The Ukrainian leadership recently supported an initiative by French President Emmanuel Macron for a partial ceasefire in the event of attacks from the air and sea. The US government, on the other hand, insists on a quick and comprehensive ceasefire, followed by elections, which are ruled out under Ukrainian law in times of war.
Top military officials discuss possible peacekeeping forces
This afternoon in Paris, the chiefs of staff of countries that support Ukraine are also discussing the possible deployment of peacekeeping troops. The issue is how a possible peace agreement could be secured through the deployment of soldiers. President Macron is organizing the meeting, at which Germany is represented by the Inspector General of the German Armed Forces, Carsten Breuer. Great Britain and Poland are also taking part. A full list of participants has not been released in advance.
The meeting is based on the plans for European peacekeeping troops that France and the UK have been pushing for weeks, which could form part of possible security guarantees for Ukraine. "They would not fight today, they would not fight on the front line, but they would be there after the peace is signed to ensure it is respected," Macron said a few days ago.
France's Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu also brought up the idea of arms depots in Europe as a security guarantee for Ukraine. These could be used to supply the country after a ceasefire in the event of a crisis. The army chiefs are discussing this behind closed doors and there are no plans to inform the public. Russia is strictly opposed to European troops in Ukraine, especially as most of the participants are NATO states.
Drone attack: Moscow airports suspend operations
After several drones were shot down over the Russian capital region, air traffic at two Moscow airports was temporarily suspended for safety reasons. According to the state agency Tass, Russia's aviation authority announced that take-offs and landings at Domodedovo and Zhukovsky airports had been suspended. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced on Telegram that around 60 drones had been shot down in the Moscow region. He did not initially provide any information on casualties or damage.
Restrictions of this kind occur time and again at Russian airports due to drone attacks from Ukraine. Due to the use of Russian air defense, take-offs and landings are sometimes no longer possible.
