U.S. Delegation Pursues Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

A U.S. delegation aims for a Black Sea ceasefire and a broader halt in hostilities during talks with Russian officials, following discussions with Ukraine. Led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, the focus is on maritime ceasefire, peacekeeping measures, and confidence-building initiatives. Despite diplomatic efforts, both sides report ongoing military actions.

A United States delegation is set to engage in discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a cessation of hostilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting with Russian officials follows previous discussions with Ukrainian diplomats, as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to halt Russia’s actions against Ukraine, having conversed with both President Zelensky and President Putin last week.

The U.S. delegation, led by Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council and senior State Department official Michael Anton, aims to facilitate technical talks in Riyadh. The White House has indicated that the talks will primarily focus on establishing a maritime ceasefire to ensure the smooth operation of shipping.

Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser, confirmed the presence of U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian delegations in the same facility. The discussions will encompass several critical topics, including peacekeeping measures, verification procedures, and potential confidence-building initiatives, such as retrieving Ukrainian children previously taken by Russia.

The Russian team will include Grigory Karasin, the chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergey Beseda from the Federal Security Service. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s defense minister, Rustem Umerov, indicated that the U.S. and Ukraine talks also addressed strategies to safeguard energy and critical infrastructure.

Following territorial gains by Russian forces, President Trump shifted U.S. policy towards Russia, initiating bilateral talks while suspending military support for Ukraine unless it made efforts to resolve the conflict. Special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed little concern about potential Russian expansionism, stating that he does not believe President Putin aims to conquer Europe, asserting, “I feel that he wants peace.”

Trump has consistently sought to end the ongoing conflict, which has caused immense casualties and displacement. However, his approach has invoked anxiety among European allies who fear it may signify a substantial alteration in U.S. foreign policy regarding Russian aggression.

Earlier this month, Putin displayed tentative support for a truce proposal from Washington while asserting that military action would continue until specific conditions were met. Heorhii Tykhyi from the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry stated that discussions would clarify various ceasefire modalities.

On the permissions of a temporary halt, Putin had agreed to a 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure upon Trump’s suggestion, although this deal did not result in the comprehensive ceasefire desired by the U.S. and Kyiv. The U.S. holds aspirations of finalizing a broader ceasefire within a few weeks, with a target date set for April 20. Despite active diplomatic efforts, both Russia and Ukraine have reported ongoing strikes, and Russian military advances continue in contested areas of Ukraine.

The ongoing diplomatic efforts led by a U.S. delegation aim to establish a ceasefire in the Black Sea and halt the broader conflict in Ukraine. While discussions between U.S., Russian, and Ukrainian officials have taken place, concerns persist about the implications of the U.S.’s policy shift under President Trump, particularly in relation to European security. Ultimately, the situation remains fluid, with both sides continuing to engage in hostilities amidst negotiations.

Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com