Waltz Expected to Engage in Talks with Russian Officials ‘soon’
On Tuesday, the US national security advisor commented after Ukraine accepted a US proposal for a ceasefire. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
On Tuesday, the US national security advisor announced plans to reach out to his "Russian counterpart" in the near future to explore a possible resolution to the Ukraine conflict, following Ukraine's acceptance of a US proposal for a ceasefire.
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz made these comments after discussions with a Ukrainian delegation, which reportedly agreed to the interim ceasefire proposed by Washington.
During a press conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Waltz noted that the Ukrainian representatives had expressed their alignment with "President [Donald] Trump's vision for peace" and emphasized "his determination to end the fighting." He also stated that the delegates had taken "concrete steps and concrete proposals."
"I will talk to my Russian counterpart in the coming days," he confirmed.
Waltz indicated that this positive development prompted the president to lift the suspension on aid and security assistance to Ukraine, effective immediately. This suspension had followed a tense exchange between Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and President Trump, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance, at the White House last month.
Secretary of State Rubio also remarked that the Ukrainian delegation was prepared to engage in a ceasefire and immediate negotiations with Russia. He indicated that the "ball is now in [Moscow’s] court," expressing hope that Russia would "say yes to peace."
When questioned about whether the ceasefire would be partial or comprehensive, Rubio reiterated that the "offer is to stop the shooting," emphasizing that halting hostilities is crucial for advancing further peace negotiations.
"Obviously now that’ll be delivered to the Russians… through our diplomatic channels," he clarified. Washington aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict that is "acceptable and enduring for both sides."
Regarding any potential "deadline" for Moscow's response, Rubio expressed hope that the Russians would respond affirmatively "as quickly as possible," allowing progress to the next phase, which he defined as meaningful negotiations rather than endless discussions.
He asserted that the "best goodwill gesture the Russians can provide" would be an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Since before his inauguration in January, President Trump has pledged to swiftly resolve the Ukraine conflict. He has recently urged Kiev to drop its demands for the restoration of pre-conflict borders and to find common ground with Russia. Following the contentious interaction with Zelensky last month, Trump suggested that Ukraine was unprepared for peace and cautioned that protracted resistance could jeopardize US aid.
The Kremlin has signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, contingent upon Ukraine's recognition of the "reality on the ground." President Putin has previously advocated for a comprehensive resolution to the underlying issues of the conflict rather than merely a temporary ceasefire.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz made these comments after discussions with a Ukrainian delegation, which reportedly agreed to the interim ceasefire proposed by Washington.
During a press conference in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Waltz noted that the Ukrainian representatives had expressed their alignment with "President [Donald] Trump's vision for peace" and emphasized "his determination to end the fighting." He also stated that the delegates had taken "concrete steps and concrete proposals."
"I will talk to my Russian counterpart in the coming days," he confirmed.
Waltz indicated that this positive development prompted the president to lift the suspension on aid and security assistance to Ukraine, effective immediately. This suspension had followed a tense exchange between Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky and President Trump, as well as Vice President J.D. Vance, at the White House last month.
Secretary of State Rubio also remarked that the Ukrainian delegation was prepared to engage in a ceasefire and immediate negotiations with Russia. He indicated that the "ball is now in [Moscow’s] court," expressing hope that Russia would "say yes to peace."
When questioned about whether the ceasefire would be partial or comprehensive, Rubio reiterated that the "offer is to stop the shooting," emphasizing that halting hostilities is crucial for advancing further peace negotiations.
"Obviously now that’ll be delivered to the Russians… through our diplomatic channels," he clarified. Washington aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict that is "acceptable and enduring for both sides."
Regarding any potential "deadline" for Moscow's response, Rubio expressed hope that the Russians would respond affirmatively "as quickly as possible," allowing progress to the next phase, which he defined as meaningful negotiations rather than endless discussions.
He asserted that the "best goodwill gesture the Russians can provide" would be an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Since before his inauguration in January, President Trump has pledged to swiftly resolve the Ukraine conflict. He has recently urged Kiev to drop its demands for the restoration of pre-conflict borders and to find common ground with Russia. Following the contentious interaction with Zelensky last month, Trump suggested that Ukraine was unprepared for peace and cautioned that protracted resistance could jeopardize US aid.
The Kremlin has signaled its willingness to engage in dialogue with Ukraine, contingent upon Ukraine's recognition of the "reality on the ground." President Putin has previously advocated for a comprehensive resolution to the underlying issues of the conflict rather than merely a temporary ceasefire.
Thomas Evans for TROIB News
