Moscow Seeks Negotiation Progress in Upcoming Saudi Talks

Moscow expresses hope for progress in upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, where Russian negotiators will engage in discussions on a potential ceasefire with U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Russia has rejected a comprehensive ceasefire proposal, suggesting instead a limited halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. The talks will involve Senator Grigory Karasin and FSB adviser Sergey Beseda.

Moscow anticipates making “some progress” in the forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, as a Russian negotiator conveyed to state media on Saturday. These talks occur simultaneously with U.S. officials who are preparing to engage separately with Ukrainian and Russian representatives on the topic of a potential ceasefire. Russia has dismissed a U.S.-Ukraine proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, instead advocating for a limited pause in aerial attacks on energy infrastructure.

The U.S. plans to conduct parallel discussions with delegations from Ukraine and Russia on Monday, aiming to mitigate the ongoing impasse. Senator Grigory Karasin told Zvezda TV, a channel affiliated with Russia’s Ministry of Defense, about his hopes for achievable progress during the talks. He characterized his attitude as both “combative and constructive,” reflecting a willingness to engage positively.

The choice of negotiators has raised questions, as both Senator Karasin and FSB adviser Sergey Beseda are not members of the conventional diplomatic circles, such as the Kremlin or the Foreign and Defense Ministries. Karasin, a former diplomat, currently serves in Russia’s upper house of parliament, while Beseda has a history with the FSB security service, which has previously acknowledged his presence in Kyiv during Ukraine’s 2014 pro-European Union uprising.

In his remarks to Zvezda TV, Karasin expressed, “We are going with the goal of resolving at least one issue” in the upcoming talks. He also indicated that the Russian delegation would leave for Saudi Arabia on Sunday and return on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in their diplomatic engagements.

In conclusion, discussions are scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where Russian negotiators seek to make meaningful progress amidst a backdrop of complex geopolitical dynamics. The U.S. aims to facilitate negotiations to address the impasse over a ceasefire, underscoring a pivotal juncture in the ongoing conflict. It will be critical to observe the outcomes of these talks, particularly concerning the proposals put forth by both Russia and its international counterparts.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com