Ukrainian and American delegations will meet in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss a ceasefire with Russia, while a separate U.S.-Russia meeting is planned. President Zelensky indicated readiness for a partial ceasefire due to Moscow’s earlier rejection. A partial ceasefire concerning energy strikes was also agreed upon following crucial talks between Trump and Putin. However, Russian attacks on Ukraine continue despite these discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian and American delegations will engage in discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 24, aimed at establishing a ceasefire with Russia. Simultaneously, a U.S. delegation is expected to meet Russian representatives on the same day, as clarified by Zelensky at a press conference with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is amenable to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, covering aerial, naval, and ground operations. However, given Moscow’s refusal for a complete ceasefire, Ukraine is willing to negotiate a partial ceasefire instead, showing flexibility in their approach.
Following a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, a partial ceasefire regarding strikes on energy infrastructure was reached. Subsequently, Zelensky and Trump spoke on March 19 to deliberate on the conversation Putin and Trump had the previous day, resulting in Ukraine’s agreement to suspend strikes against Russian energy assets.
Zelensky asserted that the ceasefire terms should safeguard the energy systems and civilian infrastructure for both nations, which means avoiding attacks on such critical facilities. Zelensky committed to providing a detailed list of civilian infrastructure facilities that would be included in the ceasefire agreement, emphasizing clarity in the understanding between the parties.
Despite the announcement post-call on March 18, reports confirm that Russian missile and drone strikes against Ukraine persist. Recent statistics indicate that at least five civilians have died and 26 have sustained injuries since the agreement of the partial ceasefire, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the situation.
In summary, Ukraine and the U.S. are set to discuss a ceasefire with Russia in Saudi Arabia, reflecting Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a partial ceasefire. The talks follow critical communications between world leaders, emphasizing the need to protect energy infrastructure. However, ongoing attacks reveal the fragile nature of the situation and the challenges in implementing a ceasefire agreement.
Original Source: kyivindependent.com
