Trump: US officials have departed for Moscow
US President Donald Trump announced that official Washington has sent its representatives to Moscow to discuss the issue of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. This was reported by the BBC.
Negotiations and Ukraine's position
On March 11, negotiations between US and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia lasted for 9 hours. Ukraine accepted the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, but it was emphasized that Russia's agreement is also necessary. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the US needs to persuade Russia to agree to a peace proposal. The Kremlin announced that it is studying the issue and awaiting details of the negotiations.
Trump's position
Donald Trump emphasized during a conversation with journalists in the Oval Office that there are "positive signals" regarding the negotiations.
"However, positive signals mean nothing. This is a very serious situation," Trump said.
According to him, if Russia decides to continue the war, "catastrophic" sanctions could be imposed against it.
"Financially, it’s not very pleasant, but there are things I can do. This will lead to very bad consequences for Russia. I don’t want to do that because I want to achieve peace," Trump said.
Who has departed for Moscow?
Trump did not specify which officials were sent to Moscow. However, a BBC source reported that Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitehead, headed to Moscow after a meeting in Jeddah. The White House confirmed this information on March 12.
Additionally, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that National Security Advisor Mike Walls communicated with his "Russian counterpart" by phone. Walls did not clarify who he spoke with.
Why did Ukraine quickly agree to the US proposal?
According to BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, this decision was made to influence international relations:
"Ukraine quickly agreed to the US negotiation group's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire because it allows them to appear as a peace-seeking state on the international stage," Gardner said.
It was also reported that the Ukrainian leadership consulted with Western allies, including Jonathan Powell, the UK Prime Minister's National Security Advisor.
Threat of new sanctions against Russia
US Senator Lindsey Graham stated that Russia must agree to a 30-day ceasefire, otherwise new sanctions will be imposed. He emphasized that Congress will impose restrictions not only on Russia but also on countries that purchase its oil, gas, and uranium products.
"Russia should have already felt the unbearable economic pain for invading Ukraine," Graham said.
After the negotiations in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire, but Russia has not yet announced its decision. US officials have headed to Moscow to continue negotiations. If Russia continues the war, strict sanctions may be imposed by the US and Congress. The outcome of this process also depends on a potential phone conversation between Trump and Putin that may take place soon.
