U.S. and Russian negotiators are engaged in ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. The discussions follow recent negotiations with Ukrainian representatives, focusing on halting attacks on infrastructure. Differences in interpretation regarding targeted protections persist, as well as President Zelenskyy’s calls for increased international pressure on Russia amid ongoing violence.
Negotiators from the United States and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting transpired shortly after discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators, as reported by Russian media outlets. The aim of these talks in Riyadh is to establish a detailed agreement for pausing long-range attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, as well as halting attacks in the Black Sea to facilitate safe commercial shipping.
On Wednesday, both Ukraine and Russia tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire following discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump. However, discrepancies have emerged over what targets would be excluded from attacks. The White House stated that “energy and infrastructure” would be protected, whereas the Kremlin limited its interpretation to “energy infrastructure.” Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy advocated for the protection of railways and ports as well.
In a troubling turn of events, Russia launched a drone attack across Ukraine that resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a father and his young daughter in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy commented on the urgent need for increased pressure on Russia to cease these acts of terror, emphasizing the collective responsibility of Ukraine’s international partners, including the United States and European nations.
Zelenskyy has expressed willingness for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire as proposed by Trump, though President Vladimir Putin has conditioned a full ceasefire on a cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine and a halt to military mobilization, conditions that Ukraine and its allies have firmly rejected. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism regarding potential advancements in the Saudi talks, particularly concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which could naturally lead to a broader cessation of hostilities.
The recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia mark a significant step toward a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. While both sides appear to recognize the necessity for dialogue, their differing interpretations of what constitutes protected targets pose challenges. The recent drone attack emphasizes the urgency for a ceasefire, and international pressure on Russia is crucial as discussions progress, particularly in light of President Zelenskyy’s openness to negotiations.
Original Source: www.seattletimes.com
