Moscow expresses optimism for progress at Saudi negotiations, rejecting a US-Ukraine ceasefire proposal. Ongoing aerial attacks persist from both sides, culminating in civilian casualties. The negotiations will feature separate US discussions with each delegation, and skepticism remains regarding Russia’s commitment to peace.

Moscow is optimistic about the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, attended by a Russian negotiator who disclosed this intention to state media mere days before the United States engages with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations in an effort to conclude the ongoing three-year conflict. Russia has dismissed a joint US-Ukraine proposal for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, preferring to suggest a halt only to aerial assaults on energy infrastructure.

Despite these proposals, aerial attacks from both sides have persisted ahead of the negotiations, with a recent Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia resulting in the tragic death of a family of three, provoking strong condemnation from Ukrainian officials. On Monday, US diplomats will undertake separate discussions with both sides in Saudi Arabia; US envoy Keith Kellogg referred to this approach as “shuttle diplomacy”.

Senator Grigory Karasin, who will lead the Russian contingent, expressed hope for achieving “some progress” but refrained from detailing specific agendas. Together with FSB advisor Sergey Beseda, he plans to adopt a “combative and constructive” stance during the talks and noted their impending departure for Saudi Arabia on Sunday, returning by Tuesday.

The selection of negotiators has sparked intrigue, as Karasin and Beseda do not belong to the conventional diplomatic circles of the Kremlin or foreign ministry. Karasin is a seasoned diplomat within Russia’s upper house, whereas Beseda has a longstanding affiliation with the FSB.

Ukraine has expressed skepticism regarding Russia’s commitment to peace, pointing out inconsistencies in Moscow’s claims of ceasing energy site attacks, especially after a recent offensive that resulted in the death of civilians. The Ukrainian air force reported the deployment of 179 drones against Ukraine during a recent overnight assault, further escalating tensions.

In a tragic incident, a drone strike in Zaporizhzhia resulted in the loss of a family, including a young girl. Responses to this tragedy were echoed by President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, who condemned Russia for its actions, while Ukrainian forces also conducted drone strikes targeting Russia, resulting in injuries in Rostov-on-Don. Meanwhile, President Zelensky has continued to visit Ukrainian troops entrenched in defensive efforts in the contested region of Pokrovsk.

In summary, the situation leading up to the negotiations in Saudi Arabia is marked by ongoing military hostilities and mutual distrust between Russia and Ukraine. With Russia’s rejection of a comprehensive ceasefire proposal, both sides have demonstrated an unwillingness to fully restrain military actions. The outcome of the discussions remains uncertain, but hopes for progress have been voiced by Russian officials amid tragic civilian casualties that underscore the conflict’s human toll.

Original Source: www.france24.com

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