U.S. and Russian negotiators have initiated ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a pause in attacks related to energy and civilian targets. Despite a conceptual agreement for a limited ceasefire, differing interpretations exist regarding protected areas. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy advocates for broader protections, while Russia insists on stricter conditions. Future discussions are expected to further clarify ceasefire details and target exclusions.
On Monday, negotiators from the United States and Russia commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting took place shortly after negotiations between representatives from the U.S. and Ukraine, as reported by Russian news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti. It is anticipated that further discussions will occur between the U.S. and Ukrainian teams to address ceasefire specifics.
The talks are aimed at establishing a pause in long-range attacks targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Additionally, there is a focus on halting attacks in the Black Sea to facilitate safe commercial shipping. Although Ukraine and Russia reached a conceptual agreement for a limited ceasefire following a discussion between U.S. President Donald Trump and the respective leaders, both nations have differing interpretations regarding protected targets.
The White House announced that protections would extend to both energy and infrastructure, while the Kremlin’s statement limited protection specifically to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed a desire for railways and ports to be included in the ceasefire agreement. The context of the talks is underscored by recent Russian drone attacks that claimed the lives of at least seven individuals in Ukraine, prompting Zelenskyy to call for increased international pressure on Russia to cease its aggression.
Zelenskyy noted Ukraine’s willingness to consent to a full 30-day ceasefire as proposed by Trump, contrasting with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s stipulation that a complete ceasefire hinged on a cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine and a halt to military mobilization efforts, conditions that Ukraine and its Western allies have firmly rejected. Additionally, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism regarding progress at the Saudi negotiations, particularly concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea, viewing it as a pathway toward a broader ceasefire agreement.
In summary, U.S. and Russian negotiators are currently engaged in ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, with a focus on halting attacks against energy and civilian infrastructure. Although a limited ceasefire agreement has been tentatively established, differing interpretations persist between the involved parties. The situation remains dynamic as further discussions are anticipated, which may lead to a more comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
