U.S. and Russian negotiators have begun discussions in Saudi Arabia to establish a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, focusing on limiting attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure. Despite tentative agreements, ongoing violence complicates the situation, with Ukrainian leadership urging stronger international action.
On Monday, United States and Russian negotiators commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Russian state media. These dialogues in Riyadh follow earlier talks involving U.S. and Ukrainian representatives aimed at de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.
The primary objective of the negotiations is to implement a temporary ceasefire to limit long-range assaults on energy facilities and civilian infrastructures. Additionally, discussions include a potential cessation of hostilities in the Black Sea to safeguard commercial shipping activities.
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 precise terms of the agreement are contested, with the White House claiming it encompasses “energy and infrastructure,” whereas the Kremlin asserts it is exclusively focused on “energy infrastructure.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has advocated for the inclusion of railways and ports in the protection agreement.
In a troubling development, Russia has conducted drone strikes over Ukraine, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives, including a father and his five-year-old daughter in Kyiv. Zelenskyy stated, “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror,” calling on international allies, including the U.S. and Europe, for decisive action against these attacks.
Zelenskyy has demonstrated Ukraine’s readiness for a full 30-day ceasefire, which Trump proposed. Nevertheless, Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined specific conditions that include halting Western armaments supplied to Ukraine and suspending military mobilization, demands that Kyiv and its allies have categorically rejected.
Expressing hope regarding the outcome of the ongoing negotiations, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, remarked on “Fox News Sunday” that he anticipates significant progress in the talks, particularly concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea. He suggested that this initial step could naturally lead to a comprehensive ceasefire to end hostilities.
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia reflect a critical effort to establish a ceasefire amidst ongoing hostilities between Ukraine and Russia. Key points include the focus on limiting attacks on essential infrastructure and discussions surrounding commercial shipping safety. However, the ongoing violence, highlighted by recent drone strikes, underscores the complexities and challenges that remain, particularly regarding the terms proposed by both sides. The international community’s response to these developments may play a crucial role in shaping the future of the conflict.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
