Ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine initiated in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aim to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s controversial comments align with Russian narratives, while military attacks on Ukraine persist, suggesting a challenging path to peace.
Negotiations for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, led by a U.S. delegation, commenced in Saudi Arabia. The talks, which began this morning in Riyadh, follow prior discussions among U.S. and Ukrainian representatives, according to reports from Russian media. The primary goal of these negotiations is to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, thereby ensuring the unimpeded flow of shipping lanes, as stated by the White House.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz mentioned during a recent interview that discussions would also encompass the defining of control lines between Russia and Ukraine. He elaborated that they would address “verification measures, peacekeeping, and freezing the lines where they are.” Additionally, “confidence-building measures,” including the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, will be a topic of concern.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff has dismissed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposals of establishing a “coalition of the willing” that might include troop deployment in Ukraine post-ceasefire. Mr. Witkoff described these notions as a “combination of a posture and a pose,” further branding the idea of leaders needing to emulate Winston Churchill as “simplistic.” He stated, “We have something called NATO that we did not have in World War Two.”
In stark contrast to the diplomatic discussions, Russia has conducted a series of drone attacks on Kyiv, resulting in injuries and property damage. Ukraine’s air force reported successfully intercepting 57 out of 99 drones amidst these ongoing assaults. This escalation follows a weekend wherein Russian attacks resulted in multiple casualties across various regions of Ukraine, including Kharkiv and Sumy.
The unexpected remarks made by Mr. Witkoff have garnered much attention, especially among Russian media, which celebrated his comments as aligning with their narratives. Witkoff claimed that many in Russian-held territories of Ukraine preferred to remain under Russian governance, a statement that has caused uproar in the international community given the widely criticized referenda in those areas. His remarks have been characterized as indicative of a potential shift in U.S. policy concerning Russia’s territorial claims.
Amidst this backdrop, Kyiv’s officials report significant casualties from the recent attacks, reinforcing the urgency for a successful ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The potential for an agreement remains overshadowed by active hostilities, emphasizing the delicate balance of diplomatic efforts and military actions at this juncture.
In summary, ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are taking place in Saudi Arabia, primarily focusing on establishing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to facilitate shipping. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s comments have sparked controversy and have been noted for their alignment with Russian narratives. Despite these diplomatic talks, Russia’s continued military offensives highlight the ongoing complexities and challenges in achieving a lasting resolution.
Original Source: news.sky.com
