US and Russia Engage in Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine Conflict
US and Russian officials have initiated ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia with hopes of establishing a temporary truce in Ukraine. Both nations provisionally agreed to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure for one month. Discussions are fraught with uncertainties regarding broader peace terms, particularly due to rigid demands from Russia and ongoing military actions against Ukraine.
United States and Russian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia on Monday, aiming to establish a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, as advocated by former President Donald Trump. Both Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure for one month, following Trump’s recent communication with their leaders. However, uncertainties persist regarding the exact timing of the ceasefire and whether it will extend to other critical sites such as hospitals and bridges.
Initial discussions between US officials and Ukraine took place on Sunday evening, followed by separate meetings with Russian representatives on Monday, primarily at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. The US officials are poised to negotiate specific measures concerning maritime safety in the Black Sea and ensure effective communication between the two parties to finalize the ceasefire details.
The ultimate aim is to reach a 30-day truce, during which time a permanent ceasefire would be explored. This sentiment was echoed by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who indicated the negotiations are progressing positively. During the talks, Ukraine’s delegation discussed proposals aimed at safeguarding energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that his team is engaged in a “constructive manner”, and the discussions have been beneficial. The Ukrainian delegation is also preparing to provide the US with a list of energy sites that should be considered off-limits to military action. This aligns with the directive from Ukraine’s President to advance a just peace and bolster security.
Russian participation in the talks includes Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the FSB, and Grigory Karasin, who has historical ties to previous negotiations. However, the discussions are shadowed by Witkoff’s controversial remarks legitimizing Russia’s referendums in eastern Ukrainian territories, which widely drew international condemnation. These statements could escalate tensions in Ukraine and among European allies.
Moreover, Moscow has intensified its military actions, launching widespread drone attacks on Ukraine, which led to civilian casualties in Kyiv. Despite the ongoing discussions, Moscow and Kyiv remain divergent on acceptable peace terms, with Russia’s rigid demands significantly departing from what Ukraine and its allies deem acceptable.
Moscow’s conditions include a cessation of foreign military assistance to Ukraine and recognition of the annexed regions, which Kyiv rebuffs as non-negotiable. Consequently, global anxieties regarding the legitimacy of Russian agreements deepen, especially given its historical reluctance to adhere to past commitments.
In summary, the talks between the United States and Russia in Saudi Arabia signify an effort to create a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, spurred by former President Trump’s initiative. While a one-month halt on energy strikes appears to be on the table, critical uncertainties and differences remain regarding broader peace terms and the safety of Ukrainian infrastructure. The backdrop of these discussions includes intensified military actions by Russia and notable political dynamics that could impact the outcome of negotiations.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
