U.S. and Ukrainian Officials to Discuss Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential partial ceasefire with Russia, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov. Despite hope for a truce, ongoing strikes indicate the conflict persists. The U.S. aims for a broader ceasefire agreement by mid-April, while both sides address the ramifications of continued military actions.

Ukrainian and U.S. officials are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to explore a potential partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. This meeting is part of a broader diplomatic initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at concluding the war, which has persisted for three years. The discussions will serve as a precursor to talks between U.S. and Russian delegations planned for Monday.

These meetings follow previous discussions held in Saudi Arabia, which involved both the U.S. and Russia, as well as subsequent talks with Ukraine. Notably, Kyiv has already accepted a 30-day truce proposal. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, is poised to engage actively, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy indicating that this setup would facilitate quick and substantive actions.

Despite the anticipation, Ukrainian officials are managing expectations, labeling the Riyadh meeting primarily as a technical affair. Heorhii Tykhyi, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian foreign ministry, emphasized the focus on clarifying the details of different ceasefire regimes, including monitoring and control mechanisms.

Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin consented to Trump’s proposal for a temporary cessation of mutual attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, this accord did not extend to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, a proposition supported by Kyiv and sought by the U.S.

In light of ongoing tensions, Trump stated that efforts to prevent further escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict are “somewhat under control.” He articulated the U.S. goal to establish a broad ceasefire within weeks, aiming for an agreement by April 20.

U.S. and Russian experts are expected to address the safety of shipping in the Black Sea during their meeting in Saudi Arabia on Monday. However, in spite of these diplomatic endeavors, reports indicate that both Russia and Ukraine have faced ongoing attacks. Recently, a Russian drone assault on Kyiv resulted in the tragic loss of at least three lives, including a child, and inflicted considerable damage to the city.

Additionally, Russian authorities reported the destruction of 59 Ukrainian drones aimed at their southwestern territories, confirming one fatality in Rostov as a result of the strikes.

In summary, Ukrainian and U.S. officials are set to discuss a potential partial ceasefire in Saudi Arabia amidst an ongoing three-year conflict with Russia. This meeting is seen as technical but crucial for clarifying the parameters of ceasefire arrangements. While diplomatic efforts are underway, both sides continue to engage in hostilities, underscoring the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: www.usnews.com