US and Russia Initiate Ceasefire Negotiations in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine Conflict

US and Russian officials have initiated ceasefire negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following previous discussions with a Ukrainian delegation. Key representatives include Grigory Karasin and Mike Waltz, who aim to address measures for a partial ceasefire, verification, and the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.

Negotiations aimed at achieving a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, involving discussions between United States officials and a Russian delegation. This development follows a meeting of a Ukrainian delegation led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov with the US team the night prior.

Representing Russia in the talks, which are being reported by state media, are Grigory Karasin, the chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Russian upper house of parliament, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service. The involved parties are expected to address critical issues regarding the ceasefire.

Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser, highlighted that the US delegation aims to focus on a ceasefire specifically in the Black Sea region. He emphasized discussions related to the “line of control” between the two nations, including “verification measures” and “peacekeeping” efforts to stabilize the situation on the ground.

Waltz further mentioned “confidence-building measures” including the sensitive issue of the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia during the conflict. These talks are part of a broader initiative to foster dialogue and promote peace in the region as the war continues.

The commencement of ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia signals a notable diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. With the involvement of US officials and Russian representatives, the discussions encompass vital topics such as a ceasefire in the Black Sea and measures to stabilize the situation. The inclusion of sensitive issues, such as the return of Ukrainian children, represents attempts to build trust between the conflicting parties. Overall, these talks may serve as a foundational step toward a broader resolution of the crisis.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com