Donald Trump seeks a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia by Easter Sunday, April 20. Negotiations resumed in Riyadh amidst violence, including recent casualties. US officials will engage with both sides on complex issues, with rising concerns about US-UK relations and Trump’s envoy’s comments. The negotiations face significant challenges as they pertain to monitoring agreements and addressing diplomatic tensions.
Former President Donald Trump is advocating for a ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia by Easter Sunday, April 20, due to the significance of the date coinciding with both Western and Orthodox church calendars this year. This push for peace comes as negotiations resumed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following a recent surge in violence, including tragic incidents where a five-year-old was killed and an 11-month-old baby was injured in Kyiv.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has indicated that negotiating a ceasefire will be challenging, emphasizing the complexities involved. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov acknowledged the multifaceted issues the delegation is addressing, including the safe passage of vessels through the contested Black Sea region.
In Riyadh, US officials will conduct discussions separately with both Russian and Ukrainian representatives, focusing on the monitoring of a recently agreed 30-day truce concerning attacks on energy sites. Concurrently, tensions have arisen concerning the relationship between the US and the UK, with British officials expressing concerns about America’s reliability in supporting Ukraine against Russia.
Leading British politicians have voiced discontent with the current US stance, particularly regarding comments by Trump’s peace envoy Steve Witkoff, who expressed admiration for President Putin, undermining the UK-led support for Ukraine. Shadow Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois suggested that credible threats of sanctions may be more effective than positive remarks towards Russia.
Witkoff’s limited diplomatic background was also highlighted in discussions, raising questions about his qualifications, especially as he appeared unfamiliar with key regions in Ukraine affected by the conflict. Additionally, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer revealed experiencing pressure from the White House regarding his stance on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after their meeting with Trump last month, though he maintains a constructive relationship with the former president and recognizes his objectives.
In summary, Donald Trump’s proposition for a ceasefire by Easter Sunday amidst ongoing negotiations underscores the urgency for peace in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The discussions in Riyadh are complicated by recent escalations in violence and criticisms of US diplomatic tactics. Concerns regarding the reliability of US support from the UK continue to emerge, compounded by mixed messages from US officials about their stance on President Putin and the conflict. The situation remains dynamic and will require careful monitoring as talks progress.
Original Source: www.dailymail.co.uk
