U.S. Initiates New Ceasefire Talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia
The U.S. has initiated ceasefire talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, following discussions with Ukraine. The negotiations focus on protecting energy facilities and could involve shuttle diplomacy. Ukrainian representatives express optimism, while concerns over Russian attacks continue to surface. Ukrainian President Zelensky stresses the need for pressure on Russia to achieve peace.
The United States has initiated a new round of negotiations in Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a limited ceasefire with Russia. Following discussions with Ukrainian representatives, U.S. negotiators plan to engage in shuttle diplomacy to explore potential pathways to peace in Ukraine. According to the “New York Times,” further interactions with Ukraine may depend on the outcomes of these preliminary talks, which are conducted separately with both Moscow and Kyiv.
Ukraine’s representatives expressed optimism after the initial talks on Sunday in Riyadh. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerov remarked on his Facebook page, stating, “The talks were constructive and informative – we discussed important issues, especially in the energy sector.” The Ukrainian delegation is operating under a mandate from President Volodymyr Zelensky to pursue an “honorable and lasting peace” for Ukraine and Europe.
The negotiations are expected to concentrate on steps towards a ceasefire, with an initial measure involving a halt to attacks on energy facilities. While this limited ceasefire had been tentatively agreed upon in a discussion between President Putin and former President Trump, specifics regarding its implementation remain unresolved. The two parties have engaged in extensive drone assaults recently.
Riyadh’s focus is primarily on technical arrangements concerning the protection of energy and critical infrastructure. Umjerov noted, “Today we are working our way through a series of complex technical issues – our delegation includes energy experts as well as military representatives from the navy and air force.” Discussions from the Russian side will also include a proposal for secure shipping in the Black Sea, relating to the U.S. ceasefire proposal in those waters.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on X, “Our team is working completely constructively and the discussion is very useful. The work of the delegations continues.” He emphasized that regardless of the discussions, pressure must be applied on President Putin to cease attacks: “Whoever caused this war must stop it.”
Leading the Ukrainian delegation is Umjerov, with Russia represented by Georgi Karassin from the Federation Council and intelligence officer Sergei Besseda, an ally of Putin. The United States has dispatched multiple teams, including special envoy Keith Kellogg and security advisor Mike Waltz, to facilitate discussions in Saudi Arabia.
In his evening address, Zelensky accused Moscow of deliberately prolonging the conflict, reiterating that Russia ignited and continues to sustain the war. He stated, “Since March 11, there has been a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, and the attacks would have stopped long ago, but it is Russia that is continuing all this.”
Zelensky also referred to a series of Russian drone strikes in recent days, asserting the necessity of exerting pressure on Russia to achieve genuine diplomacy. President Trump expressed a desire for a swift conclusion to the conflict, suggesting that prospects for peace appear favorable. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Putin, remarked, “I have the feeling that he (Putin) wants peace,” although Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations by stating, “We are only at the beginning of this path.”
Recent developments indicate that the Kremlin is not urgently pursuing a ceasefire. In their recent telephone conversation, Putin reiterated his standard arguments against a general ceasefire, citing concerns regarding supervision and security along the entire front. The Kremlin has also established two conditions: the West must cease supplying weapons and intelligence to Kyiv.
Days before these exploratory talks commenced, a significant Russian drone assault occurred in Kyiv, resulting in three fatalities, including a five-year-old child.
The United States has begun a new series of peace talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish a limited ceasefire and explore pathways towards peace in Ukraine. While Ukrainian representatives remain optimistic about the discussions, concerns about ongoing Russian aggression persist. Both the U.S. and Russia have outlined their negotiating positions, but the path to a lasting and honorable peace remains fraught with complexities and challenges.
Original Source: www.bluewin.ch
