Ukrainian and U.S. officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential partial ceasefire with Russia. This follows a series of talks aimed at alleviating the ongoing conflict. Despite some agreed measures, hostilities continue, emphasizing the complexities involved in reaching a durable peace.
Ukrainian and U.S. officials will convene in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss a potential partial ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, as part of a renewed diplomatic initiative by U.S. President Donald Trump. This meeting precedes discussions between the U.S. and Russian delegations scheduled for Monday. Previous negotiations in Saudi Arabia included a 30-day truce proposal that Ukraine accepted.
The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, with President Volodymyr Zelenskiy indicating that this leadership would enable prompt and meaningful action. Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials view this meeting as primarily technical in nature. According to Heorhii Tykhyi, the spokesperson for the foreign ministry, the focus will be on refining the specifics of the ceasefire plans, including monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously accepted Trump’s proposal to halt attacks on energy infrastructure for a month but did not agree to a broader truce as sought by U.S. officials and supported by Kyiv. President Trump stated that the situation regarding the Ukraine-Russia conflict is “somewhat under control” and expressed optimism for a comprehensive ceasefire by April 20.
Experts from Russia and the U.S. are set to discuss shipping safety in the Black Sea on Monday. Despite diplomatic efforts, reports indicate ongoing strikes from both sides, with Russia continuing its operations in eastern Ukraine, a region it claims as annexed. A recent Russian drone attack in Kyiv resulted in fatalities, including a child, and damages across the city, while Russian authorities reported they intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones, with one fatality in Rostov attributed to these strikes.
The upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and U.S. officials represent a crucial step toward negotiating a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Russia. While optimism exists for a broader truce, significant barriers remain. Continued strikes highlight the fragility of the situation, underscoring the urgent need for effective diplomatic solutions to halt further escalation.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
