Russia Seeks Progress in Upcoming Saudi Negotiations Amid Escalating Conflict

Moscow anticipates progress in Saudi talks amid ongoing hostilities with Ukraine. Russia has rejected a full ceasefire proposal while maintaining military operations, including drone strikes. Ukrainian officials seek a partial ceasefire that targets energy infrastructure, as US mediators facilitate the dialogue. Concerns arise regarding the selection of Russian negotiators, and the toll of conflict continues to escalate.

On March 23, 2025, a Russian negotiator expressed optimism regarding forthcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, indicating hopes for significant advancement in discussions aimed at settling the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This meeting precedes negotiations facilitated by the United States, which will involve discussions with delegations from both nations. Notably, Russia has dismissed a proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire while advocating for a halt to aerial strikes on energy facilities instead.

In the lead-up to the negotiations, hostilities persisted, as evidenced by a recent Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia that resulted in the tragic deaths of a family of three. Additionally, drone attacks targeting Kyiv struck residential areas, leading to civilian casualties. Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported injuries from these attacks, describing it as a severe assault by enemy UAVs.

The US will engage with both Ukrainian and Russian parties separately in Saudi Arabia, a process described by Ambassador Keith Kellogg as “shuttle diplomacy.” Despite many diplomatic efforts, substantial progress has remained elusive. Grigory Karasin, leading the Russian team, expressed a desire for tangible outcomes but did not specify particular topics for discussion. He conveyed that he and his colleague Sergey Beseda would approach the talks with both combative and constructive attitudes.

Ukraine’s strategy includes pursuing a partial ceasefire that focuses on attacks against energy infrastructure. In response to ongoing conflict, Ukraine has dispatched its defense minister to the negotiations, reinforcing the urgency of securing some form of agreement. Karasin articulated, “We are going with the mood to fight for the solution of at least one issue.”

The choice of negotiators from Russia has raised eyebrows, as Karasin and Beseda fall outside conventional diplomatic channels. The latter holds a history with the Federal Security Service (FSB), which has been critiqued by Ukraine as not genuinely pursuing peace, despite assertions from Russian leadership to the contrary. Meanwhile, US envoy Steve Witkoff characterized President Putin in a favorable light, depicting him as a leader genuinely interested in resolving the conflict.

Recent escalations in hostilities included Russia launching 179 drones at Ukraine in a single night, culminating in civilian losses in Zaporizhzhia while Ukrainian forces retaliated with drone strikes on Russian targets. President Zelensky emphasized ongoing military efforts against Russian advances near Pokrovsk, where Ukrainian troops aim to repel encirclement attempts.

The upcoming diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia, highlighted by Moscow’s hopes for progress, reflect the complex and ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides continue to engage in hostilities as they approach negotiations. Russia’s choice of negotiators and the ongoing narrative of not genuinely seeking peace complicate the situation. The United States’ involvement underscores the international dimension of the dialogue, yet substantial breakthroughs remain unachieved. The humanitarian toll remains significant, emphasizing the urgent need for a resolution.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net