Negotiations for a Ukraine ceasefire are ongoing in Saudi Arabia, now entering their third day. Despite preliminary agreements on a pause, significant challenges persist with differing definitions of ceasefire terms. Discussions highlight a focus on maritime shipping safety, and both sides continue military operations, complicating peace efforts.
Negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine have now entered their third day in Saudi Arabia. A series of meetings involving American, Russian, and Ukrainian representatives resumed discussions in Riyadh, which initially began on Sunday. These dialogues focus on the potential for a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for three years.
Despite progress, challenges remain in reaching a consensus on a 30-day ceasefire, which both Ukraine and Russia tentatively agreed upon last week. Clashes continue, with both sides exchanging drone and missile attacks, complicating efforts for a pause. Disagreement persists regarding the exact nature of a proposed partial ceasefire, particularly the definitions of “energy” and “infrastructure” strikes.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the media, indicating that discussions had centered on ensuring safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea, a crucial maritime corridor for both nations. He confirmed Russia’s willingness to resume the 2022 grain shipment deal, which was designed to alleviate food shortages in regions like Africa and the Middle East.
Serhii Leshchenko, an advisor within the Ukrainian Presidential Office, noted that recent talks also emphasized the security of Ukrainian ports, including Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. He reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to support initiatives conducive to diplomatic pressures on Russia to cease hostilities.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov maintained that while analysis of the outcomes from US-Russia talks is ongoing, there are no immediate plans to disclose details to the public or conduct a trilateral meeting with Ukraine. Peskov acknowledged that contacts would persist, although no substantial progress has yet been achieved.
Russian lawmaker Grigory Karasin, who participated in the talks, described them as complex yet constructive, signaling that further communication between expert groups from both nations may follow. Meanwhile, on the ground in Ukraine, a Russian missile strike in the city of Sumy has resulted in over 100 injuries, reinforcing the violence plaguing the region. The situation remains critical as both sides continue initiating attacks, exemplified by the recent bombardments targeting various Ukrainian regions.
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia reflect both progress and challenges in achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine. Though talks have covered crucial topics such as maritime security and the continuation of grain shipments, significant discrepancies remain over the terms of any ceasefire. The ongoing violence complicates the situation further, and while diplomatic channels remain open, concrete steps towards peace are yet to be established. The future of these negotiations will be pivotal in determining the conflict’s trajectory.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
