U.S. and Russian Negotiators Pursue Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian negotiators are discussing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. The talks follow earlier U.S.-Ukrainian negotiations and aim to establish a temporary pause in attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. Despite these efforts, Russia executed drone attacks killing seven individuals in Ukraine. Optimism remains from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff regarding progress in talks, particularly about a Black Sea ceasefire.

Negotiators from the United States and Russia commenced ceasefire discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, primarily focusing on establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. These negotiations follow prior talks involving U.S. and Ukrainian representatives aimed at achieving a temporary cessation of long-range strikes on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, alongside discussions for a potential halt to Black Sea hostilities to enhance the safety of commercial shipping.

Last Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire after direct engagement from U.S. President Donald Trump with the leaders of both nations. The terms of the agreement, however, remain contentious, as the White House interpreted it to encompass both energy and infrastructure protection, whereas the Kremlin insists it pertains exclusively to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for the inclusion of railways and ports in the ceasefire agreement to provide further protections.

Contrarily, as negotiations occur, Russia has intensified its military actions, notably launching drone strikes across Ukraine, resulting in the death of at least seven individuals, including a father and his young daughter in Kyiv. In response, President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased global pressure on Russia, stating, “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror,” and urged allies for decisive measures against Moscow’s aggression.

Zelenskyy has conveyed Ukraine’s readiness for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, in line with a proposal from President Trump. However, President Vladimir Putin has attached conditions to a broader ceasefire, including a cessation of Western arms deliveries to Ukraine and a halt to Ukraine’s military mobilization, conditions that Kyiv and its allies categorically reject.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism regarding the dialogues in Saudi Arabia. He stated in an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” “We expect some real progress at the talks in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire for ships between both countries. From there, you naturally gravitate toward a full-on shooting ceasefire.”

In summary, the ongoing negotiations in Saudi Arabia reflect both the complexity and urgency of establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine amidst escalating violence. Key points include the contentious scope of the ceasefire agreement, ongoing Russian military actions, and the divergent conditions set by both parties. Diplomatic efforts continue, with international stakeholders closely monitoring the situation in hopes of achieving a cessation of hostilities.

Original Source: www.newsx.com