U.S. and Russian negotiators are scheduled to meet again in Saudi Arabia, with discussions focused on a ceasefire and possible cessation of attacks on energy infrastructures. While optimism regarding progress exists, Steve Witkoff’s comments raise concerns about misleading narratives on Russian territorial claims. President Zelenskyy emphasizes the need for genuine pressure on Putin to halt attacks as the conflict continues.
American and Russian negotiators are scheduled to reconvene in Saudi Arabia on Monday, as the United States seeks to mediate a ceasefire and pursue a peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Key topics for discussion are expected to include a proposed cessation of strikes on energy infrastructures, an idea that both President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have tentatively supported.
Steve Witkoff, former Middle East envoy under President Donald Trump, expressed optimism for the negotiations, stating that the president’s strategy of ‘peace through strength’ inspires dialogue and the resolution of misunderstandings. He asserted the importance of communication in conflict resolution, emphasizing, “I’m not sure how anyone would expect an end to a conflict when you’re not communicating.”
Prior to the upcoming U.S.-Russia meeting, American and Ukrainian negotiators held discussions in Riyadh. President Zelenskyy, briefed on the “quite useful” talks by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, underscored the necessity for genuine pressure on Putin to issue commands that would halt the ongoing strikes, remarking, “the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.” Meanwhile, attacks continue from both sides, with Ukraine executing strikes on Russian territories as well.
However, remarks made by Witkoff regarding Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine have raised alarms. He asserted that the regions such as Donetsk and Luhansk desired to be governed by Russia, neglecting to mention that international bodies, including Western nations, have labeled the associated referendums as fraudulent. This view contrasts with former Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s declaration that the U.S. would not recognize any of Russia’s territorial claims obtained through force.
Witkoff also highlighted the rapport between Trump and Putin, even citing Putin’s expression of concern for Trump after an assassination attempt in 2024. He suggested that fostering communication with Putin is essential, stating, “I don’t regard Putin as a bad guy.” This perspective has been met with skepticism, given the broader implications of such narratives in the ongoing geopolitical situation.
In summary, U.S.-Russia discussions are set to reconvene in Saudi Arabia amidst ongoing conflicts in Ukraine. Key priorities include a ceasefire and dialogue over the energy infrastructure strikes. While there is a cautious optimism for the negotiations, concerns about misleading narratives surrounding the legitimacy of Russian territorial claims persist. The dynamics of U.S. leadership and international relations remain crucial as both sides navigate through these sensitive discussions.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
