U.S. and Ukrainian delegates proposed a 30-day ceasefire in Saudi Arabia, which received European support. Trump plans discussions with Putin about ceasefire specifics, while drone strikes continue between both nations, complicating diplomatic efforts.
Last week, Ukrainian and American representatives convened in Saudi Arabia to explore the possibility of concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Their discussions resulted in a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, a development that received positive responses from European officials. United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that Ukraine is “ready to stop shooting and start talking”; however, he warned that Russia’s response would indicate the true barriers to peace.
Following the meeting, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed the ceasefire proposal to Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin. Nevertheless, Russia has not yet committed to the plan. President Putin emphasized that while Russia is open to a cessation in hostilities, several intricacies need resolution to ensure the end of the crisis will be enduring and comprehensive. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of complicating matters, suggesting that their conditions are merely a strategy to prolong negotiations.
Onboard Air Force One, President Trump announced plans to engage in discussions with President Putin concerning both territorial issues and energy infrastructure. He noted that substantial preliminary work had been accomplished and expressed optimism about potentially concluding the conflict. “We want to see if we can bring that war to an end,” he stated, indicating ongoing dialogues concerning asset division between Ukraine and Russia.
Despite diplomatic efforts, both nations continue to experience drone strikes targeting strategic facilities. Ukrainian drones attacked energy infrastructure in Russia’s Astrakhan region, resulting in reported injuries and fires. Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones, while Ukrainian air defense systems were activated in response to Russian attacks in Kyiv, reinforcing the volatility of the situation as negotiations unfold.
In summary, recent efforts towards achieving a ceasefire in the Ukraine war have received mixed responses. While Ukrainian and American officials have proposed a 30-day ceasefire, Russia remains hesitant, citing unresolved details. President Trump’s upcoming discussions with President Putin may bring further clarity, but ongoing military engagements highlight the persistent tensions amid diplomatic initiatives.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
