Russia Hopes for Progress in Saudi Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict
Russia seeks progress in negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia, rejecting a full ceasefire proposal in favor of pausing airstrikes. The talks occur amid ongoing military actions, including several attacks that have resulted in civilian casualties. U.S. representatives will facilitate the discussions, but skepticism remains regarding Russia’s genuine commitment to peace.
Russian officials have expressed their hope to achieve significant progress during upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia, as stated by a Russian negotiator ahead of talks involving both Ukrainian and Russian delegations, facilitated by the United States. This dialogue comes amid ongoing aerial conflict, with Moscow rejecting a US-Ukraine proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire and instead suggesting a halt to aerial strikes targeting energy facilities.
In the lead-up to the discussions, both sides have engaged in aerial attacks. A recent Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia tragically resulted in the death of a family of three, escalating tensions and prompting local officials to condemn the attack. Furthermore, drone strikes on Kyiv led to casualties and injuries, with the city’s mayor reporting damage caused by debris from enemy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The US is poised to conduct separate meetings with both Russian and Ukrainian representatives in a diplomatic process characterized as “shuttle diplomacy” by US envoy Keith Kellogg. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts spearheaded by US President Donald Trump, achieving a breakthrough remains challenging.
Grigory Karasin, leading the Russian delegation, expressed optimism for the talks, indicating a constructive atmosphere. He stated, “We hope to achieve at least some progress,” without elaborating on specific agendas. Ukraine, represented by its defense minister, aims to secure at least a partial ceasefire focused on energy and infrastructure.
The selection of negotiators by Russia has raised concerns as both are outside the conventional diplomatic structures. Karasin, a career diplomat, and Sergey Beseda, an FSB advisor, reflect a divergence from typical diplomatic decision-making. Ukraine has expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions for peace, pointing to ongoing attacks despite Putin’s claims to cease hostility towards Ukrainian energy targets.
In a notable statement, US envoy Steve Witkoff referred to Putin as a “great” leader looking to resolve the conflict, emphasizing his perception of the situation’s complexity. Meanwhile, a severe drone assault by Russia resulted in multiple casualties and property destruction in Ukraine, prompting Kyiv to retaliate with its drone attacks on Russian targets.
In summary, the ongoing negotiations between Russia and Ukraine mediated by the United States are framed amidst a backdrop of continuous military conflict. While there are hopes for progress, skepticism persists regarding Russia’s commitment to peace, given recent attacks. The strategic selection of negotiators indicates potential shifts in diplomatic approaches as both sides prepare for discussions in Saudi Arabia, with significant attention on ceasefire agreements. The implications of these negotiations remain critical for the region’s stability and continued international diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.bssnews.net
