U.S. and Russian diplomats are meeting in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for three years. Following discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the necessity for a definitive ceasefire initiated by Putin. Despite a recent “in principle” agreement for a ceasefire, hostilities have not ceased. The context of these discussions includes differing interpretations of what the ceasefire entails, with ongoing accusations exchanged between the two nations.
U.S. and Russian negotiators are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday as efforts to establish a ceasefire and peace agreement concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine intensify. This meeting follows discussions held between U.S. and Ukrainian officials on the previous day in Riyadh.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked in a video statement that he was updated by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov regarding the negotiations, describing the talks as constructive and beneficial. He emphasized that to cease hostilities, “Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes—because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.”
Recently, both Moscow and Kyiv have tentatively agreed to a ceasefire; however, exchanges of drone and missile strikes continue unabated. Additionally, the White House indicated that a partial ceasefire could extend to “energy and infrastructure,” while President Putin has maintained that the agreement is limited to “energy infrastructure.” President Zelenskyy has also expressed the need to protect vital infrastructure such as railways and ports.
In an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” former President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism regarding the talks, foreseeing potential progress that could lead to a comprehensive ceasefire in the Black Sea region. Moreover, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that the Russian military is adhering to Putin’s directive to suspend assaults on energy facilities for 30 days, accusing Ukraine of violating the ceasefire by attacking Russian energy establishments.
In response, Ukraine’s military General Staff dismissed Russia’s allegations, asserting that the Russian military had shelled the gas metering station at Sudzha in the Kursk region; a claim that Peskov deemed “absurd.”
In summary, U.S. and Russian negotiators are undertaking critical discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at securing a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. While there have been nominal agreements toward halting hostilities, both sides continue military actions against each other. Moving forward, the effectiveness of these negotiations will depend on the commitment of both nations to uphold any agreements reached.
Original Source: wwmt.com
