U.S. and Russian Negotiators Pursue Partial Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian negotiators are in Saudi Arabia to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, targeting attacks on energy facilities and ensuring maritime safety. Despite previous agreements, disputes persist regarding the ceasefire’s scope, with ongoing violence overshadowing diplomatic efforts. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the talks.

Negotiators from the United States and Russia commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia on Monday concerning a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine. According to Russian state media, these talks in Riyadh follow prior negotiations between representatives from the United States and Ukraine, illustrating the ongoing diplomatic efforts surrounding the conflict.

The focus of the discussions is to establish a temporary cessation of long-range attacks directed at energy facilities and critical civilian infrastructure. Additionally, negotiators are considering a halt to hostilities in the Black Sea to ensure the safety of commercial shipping routes, reflecting concerns from both sides regarding maritime security.

Earlier, Ukraine and Russia tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire last Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump held direct conversations with the leaders of both nations. However, disagreements remain about the extent of this agreement. The White House indicated that the ceasefire encompasses energy and infrastructure, while the Kremlin asserts it is confined to energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for the inclusion of railways and ports in the protection agreement.

Despite these diplomatic initiatives, a series of drone strikes carried out by Russia resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals in Ukraine, including a father and his five-year-old daughter in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy remarked, “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror,” urging international partners such as the U.S. and Europe to take decisive actions against Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine’s readiness to accept a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, a proposal initially brought forward by Trump. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stipulated conditions for a broader truce, including the cessation of Western arms supplies to Ukraine and a halt to Ukraine’s military mobilization, demands that Kyiv and its allies have resolutely dismissed.

Steve Witkoff, special envoy for Trump, expressed confidence regarding the negotiations taking place in Saudi Arabia. During an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Witkoff stated, “We expect some real progress at the talks in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire for ships between both countries. From there, you naturally gravitate toward a full-on shooting ceasefire.”

In summary, U.S. and Russian negotiators are engaged in talks in Saudi Arabia focused on establishing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine amid ongoing hostilities. While both sides show a willingness to negotiate, significant disagreements regarding the scope of the ceasefire persist. The threat of violence continues, exemplified by recent drone strikes by Russia. As negotiations progress, the international community remains attentive to the developments in the region.

Original Source: www.newsx.com