Russia Seeks Progress in Saudi Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict with Ukraine

Moscow anticipates progress in Saudi Arabia talks with the US and Ukraine amid ongoing military actions. Negotiations, marked by escalating attacks from both sides, involve Russian figures from outside traditional diplomatic circles. US officials remain engaged, yet significant breakthroughs have proven elusive as the conflict continues.

On March 23, 2025, a Russian negotiator expressed hope for “some progress” in talks taking place in Saudi Arabia, where United States officials plan to meet with delegations from both Ukraine and Russia, aiming to halt the ongoing three-year conflict. Notably, Russia has rejected a joint US-Ukraine proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire, favoring a halt to aerial strikes on energy facilities instead.

In the lead-up to the negotiations, both sides have continued aerial assaults. Recently, a Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia resulted in the tragic death of a family of three, prompting outrage from Ukrainian officials. Additionally, drone attacks launched by Russia on Kyiv caused fatalities and injuries, with reports of a “massive attack by enemy UAVs” leading to destruction across the city.

US negotiators plan to engage in what envoy Keith Kellogg described as “shuttle diplomacy” with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Despite extensive diplomatic efforts, a significant breakthrough has yet to be realized. Russian senator Grigory Karasin, heading the Russian delegation, expressed hopes for at least minimal advancement in the talks.

Karasin stated that he and fellow negotiator Sergey Beseda would approach the discussions with a “combative and constructive” mindset. Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official indicated that Kyiv aims to achieve an agreement for at least a partial ceasefire, particularly concerning energy and infrastructure attacks. The Ukrainian defense minister is set to participate in these negotiations.

Questions arise regarding Russia’s selection of negotiators, as both Karasin and Beseda operate outside traditional diplomatic institutions. Karasin is a career diplomat positioned in Russia’s upper parliamentary house, and Beseda is a long-time officer within the FSB. Ukrainian accusations persist, alleging that Russia is not genuinely pursuing peace, despite President Putin’s claims of halting attacks on Ukrainian energy sites.

In contrast, US envoy Steve Witkoff, who recently met with Putin, commended the Russian president as a “great” leader working toward ending the conflict. He noted, “I do not regard Putin as a bad guy” while acknowledging the complex circumstances surrounding the war. Furthermore, Russia’s recent drone assaults have caused considerable devastation, including the deaths of civilians in Zaporizhzhia and numerous injuries in attacks across Ukraine’s southern regions. President Zelensky has been actively visiting troops in eastern Ukraine as they defend against ongoing Russian aggression.

In summary, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia offer a glimmer of hope for progress in the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides continue to engage in military actions, yet diplomatic efforts persist, although significant outcomes remain uncertain. The choice of negotiators by Russia raises questions concerning their commitment to peace, amidst ongoing allegations from Ukraine regarding the authenticity of Russia’s intentions. As the situation unfolds, the international community remains watchful of the negotiations’ results.

Original Source: www.bssnews.net