U.S. and Russian officials commenced ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a temporary halt in attacks in Ukraine. Key issues include the scope of the ceasefire and ongoing drone strikes by Russia, which have resulted in casualties. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism for progress in negotiations, particularly regarding the Black Sea, despite existing tensions and conflicting demands.
U.S. and Russian negotiators have gathered in Saudi Arabia to discuss a proposed partial ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Russian state media. These discussions, hosted in Riyadh, follow previous negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials intended to address the ongoing conflict.
The primary objective of the discussions is to secure a temporary pause in long-range attacks aimed at energy infrastructure and civilian facilities. Furthermore, the negotiators are assessing the possibility of suspending hostilities in the Black Sea to protect commercial shipping routes.
Last Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia reached a tentative agreement for a limited ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump engaged directly with the leaders of both nations. However, the specifics of this agreement are under contention, with the White House asserting that the ceasefire extends to both energy and civilian infrastructure, while the Kremlin insists it is strictly limited to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for the inclusion of railways and ports in this protection pact.
Despite these diplomatic discussions, Russia conducted drone strikes across Ukraine on Sunday night, resulting in the death of at least seven individuals, including a father and his five-year-old daughter in Kyiv. Zelenskyy condemned these actions, stating that, “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror” and called upon international partners, including the U.S. and Europe, to take impactful measures.
Zelenskyy has signaled Ukraine’s readiness to accept a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, a suggestion from Trump. However, President Vladimir Putin has attached conditionals to any broader truce, demanding a halt to Western arms supplies to Ukraine and a suspension of Ukrainian military mobilization—demands firmly rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, conveyed a sense of optimism regarding the ongoing negotiations. In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” Witkoff remarked, “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.”
The negotiations between U.S. and Russian negotiators in Saudi Arabia represent a critical effort to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine. While both parties have tentatively agreed on a limited ceasefire, significant disagreements remain regarding its scope. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, military actions persist, and conditions laid out by both sides complicate prospects for a lasting resolution. The situation remains fluid, and international intervention may be imperative to influence the course of negotiations.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
