Ukraine and Russia are slated to hold indirect ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, mediated by the United States. The discussions will address a potential partial ceasefire, focusing on the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. Both countries will operate in separate rooms, utilizing intermediaries for communication.

On Monday, negotiators from Ukraine and Russia will convene in Saudi Arabia to engage in indirect ceasefire talks, as reported by The Washington Post. Notably, the two parties will not hold direct meetings but will communicate via intermediaries. These discussions, mediated by the United States, will aim to secure a ceasefire in the Black Sea and may involve halting Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy resources, leading to a potential partial ceasefire.

The negotiations in Riyadh will be characterized by proximity discussions, with representatives situated in separate rooms. Keith Kellogg, former special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, likened the talks to “shuttle diplomacy in a hotel.” The Russian side will be led by senator Grigory Karasin and adviser Sergey Beseda of the Federal Security Service.

Ukraine’s delegation will comprise Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pavlo Palisa, alongside experts in energy and port infrastructure, as previously noted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Mediators from the United States will include Michael Anton, policy planning director under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and aides from National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s office.

Heorhii Tykhyi, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, emphasized Ukraine views the meeting as a bilateral discussion involving U.S. representatives. He clarified that direct communication between the Ukrainian and Russian teams will not occur, contradicting earlier claims of a more integrated engagement between the parties.

In summary, indirect talks between Ukraine and Russia are set to occur in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by U.S. representatives. While the focus will be on achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea and addressing energy infrastructure strikes, the negotiations will employ a structure of proximity discussions, ensuring no direct contact between the two delegations. This event reflects ongoing international efforts to mediate the conflict.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua

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