Meeting in Saudi Arabia: Ukraine’s ex-ambassador to the US points out the difference in texts
11 March 22:55
Ukraine’s former ambassador to the United States, Valeriy Chaly, has pointed out important differences in the English and Ukrainian versions of the texts following the meeting in Saudi Arabia. Chaly wrote about this on his Facebook page, Komersant ukrainskyi reports
Chaly shared his thoughts on the talks between the Ukrainian and American delegations held in Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that at this stage it is important to give Ukrainian diplomats space to implement their strategy, which he hopes is aimed at achieving a lasting peace without Ukraine’s capitulation.
However, Chaly emphasized that Ukrainian society deserves maximum transparency and accuracy of information, especially when it comes to official communications. He drew attention to the fact that there were significant discrepancies between the English and Ukrainian texts of the “Joint Statement following the meeting of the delegations of Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah.”
“For some reason, the essential agreement to offset the cost of American assistance, which is contained in the American text, is hidden (or simply removed) in the Ukrainian text. I hope that the Ukrainian version is more accurate…,” Chaly wrote.
Chaly emphasized the importance of avoiding situations where Ukraine may recognize certain financial obligations retroactively, especially if they have not been previously discussed.
“Even if this is not the case and the English version is accurate, we do not recognize some “debt” that does not exist retroactively, right?” – added the former ambassador.
At the same time, the expert noted that the Ukrainian side quickly responded to this situation by removing the controversial phrase from the English version of the statement on the website of the President of Ukraine.
“This sensitive phrase has been removed from the English text on the website of the President of Ukraine. It is good that they reacted quickly. It will be calmer for now,” summarized Chaly.
US and Ukraine agree on first steps to peace: results of the meeting in Jeddah
Following the talks in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and the United States issued a joint statement.
“Ukraine has expressed its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for the immediate introduction of a temporary, 30-day ceasefire, which may be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, subject to acceptance and simultaneous implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will make it clear to Russia that reciprocity on the part of Russia is the key to achieving peace,” the statement said.
At the same time, the United States is immediately canceling the pause in intelligence sharing and resuming security assistance to Ukraine.
“The delegations also discussed the importance of humanitarian efforts as part of the peace process, particularly during the aforementioned ceasefire, including the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of detained civilians, and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children,” the statement said.
In addition, Ukraine and the United States agreed to determine the composition of the negotiating teams and immediately begin negotiations to achieve a sustainable peace that will ensure the long-term security of Ukraine.
“The United States has committed to discussing these specific proposals with Russian representatives. The Ukrainian delegation once again emphasized that European partners should be involved in the peace process,” the document emphasizes.
The two presidents also agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement on the development of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources as soon as possible to strengthen Ukraine’s economy and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security.
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s reaction
In a video message, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he had been briefed on the meeting with the American team in Saudi Arabia.
“Our Ukrainian proposal for this meeting with the Americans was three things: silence in the sky – missiles, bombs, long-range drones, and silence at sea, and real measures to establish trust in this whole situation, in which diplomacy is ongoing, first of all, the release of prisoners,” Zelensky said.
He expressed confidence that the American side understands our arguments and accepts our proposals
“I want to thank President Trump for the constructive conversation between our teams. And today in the conversation, there was a proposal from the American side to take the first step immediately and try to establish a complete ceasefire for 30 days, not only with regard to missiles, drones and bombs, not only in the Black Sea, but also along the entire front line,” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that Ukraine accepts this proposal, considers it positive and is ready to take such a step.
“The United States has to convince Russia to do this. That is, we agree, and if the Russians agree, then the silence will work,” Zelensky stated.
He also added that an important element of the conversation today is the US readiness to resume defense assistance to Ukraine and intelligence assistance.
“Ukraine is ready for peace. Russia must show its readiness to end the war or continue the war. It’s time for the whole truth,” Zelenskyy summarized.
