The British side is advising Ukrainian officials in preparation for talks with the US delegation in Saudi Arabia, The Times reported.
According to the newspaper, British Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell traveled to Ukraine last weekend and advised Vladimir Zelensky on how Kiev's representatives should behave during negotiations with the Americans. The publication also noted that Powell had a telephone conversation with White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, during which he advocated for the resumption of intelligence sharing between Washington and Kiev.
According to The Times, London believes that overturning the decision of US President Donald Trump's administration to suspend intelligence exchange will be easier than resuming the supply of US weapons to Ukraine. The newspaper emphasized that this topic was also discussed during a conversation between British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, who is set to visit Washington in the coming days.
The Times also noted that Powell advised Zelensky to conduct negotiations with the United States in a way that would create the impression that Russia was obstructing peace. On March 4, Zelensky proposed a truce at sea, an end to strikes on energy infrastructure, and a prisoner exchange.
According to Sky News, Zelensky consulted Starmer before voicing this initiative. Russian ambassador to London Andrey Kelin said in an interview with Sky News on March 6 that Russia was ready for peace talks on Ukraine but would not agree to a short-term ceasefire.
Earlier, US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said he hoped to discuss a potential ceasefire and peace agreement at a meeting with Kiev officials in Jeddah on March 11. Zelensky said he would not attend the gathering; the Ukrainian delegation will include the head of his office, Andrey Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The US will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Waltz and Witkoff.
On February 28, Zelensky arrived at the White House for a meeting with Trump. During their conversation, which took place in the presence of journalists, an altercation erupted. Trump criticized Zelensky for his perceived disrespect toward the United States, while Vice President JD Vance interjected, noting that Zelensky had forgotten to express gratitude for the support provided to Kiev. As a result, the press conference that was scheduled to follow the meeting was canceled, and the signing of a mineral resources agreement between Ukraine and the United States did not occur. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump reiterated his view that Zelensky’s behavior was disrespectful and indicative of his lack of preparedness for a peace settlement.
