The U.S. is set to conduct separate peace talks with Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a ceasefire to resolve the ongoing war. Key figures stress the need for a full truce and caution against partial agreements that may favor Russia. The negotiations coincide with recent communications between President Trump and President Putin, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The success of these discussions remains uncertain amidst ongoing military actions and territorial disputes.

The United States is poised to engage in distinct discussions with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia concerning a proposed ceasefire aimed at resolving the conflict initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. These talks are occurring amid apprehensions that the Kremlin may be utilizing ceasefire negotiations as a tactic to prolong and thwart efforts towards a conclusive settlement of the war. Yuriy Boyechko, founder of the humanitarian organization Hope for Ukraine, emphasized that the U.S. should exert pressure on Russia to abide by the full 30-day ceasefire previously negotiated in Saudi Arabia.

Conversations are expected to gain momentum, especially after a recent phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, which underscored the urgency to conclude the war in Ukraine. However, the efficacy of this purported 30-day ceasefire has been disputed, as both sides continue to allege ongoing military strikes. The objective of the talks in Saudi Arabia is to encourage President Putin to affirm a comprehensive truce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported that U.S. officials will initially convene with Ukrainian experts before conducting separate discussions with Russian representatives. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy for Ukraine, characterized the diplomatic approach as involving “shuttle diplomacy between rooms” in Riyadh, facilitating negotiations while maintaining the delegations’ separation. This methodology, often referred to as proximity talks, aims to foster constructive dialogue while mitigating direct confrontation.

Discussions surrounding the conflict’s core issues have surfaced, particularly relating to Crimea and the four regions where Russia conducted controversial referendums to annex territory. Steve Witkoff, another U.S. envoy, stated that Russia’s control over these areas raises questions about global recognition—an acknowledgment that Kyiv steadfastly rejects. Since annexing Crimea in 2014, Russia claims sovereignty over Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, though not all of these territories are entirely under its control.

Significantly absent from the Riyadh meetings are Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. American technical teams will engage separately with the Ukrainian delegation and the Russian delegation in the following days, with the potential for further meetings contingent on progress. Russian representatives will include Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, highlighting the high-profile nature of the negotiations.

Zelensky is expected to present a list outlining protected Ukrainian facilities under the strikes moratorium, while Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s adviser, indicated that ensuring shipping safety in the Black Sea will also be discussed. The Institute for the Study of War asserts that Russia has been manipulating ceasefire negotiations to cast doubt on the potential for a genuine agreement. Furthermore, the credibility of Russian claims regarding Ukrainian actions has been contested by Kyiv.

As discussions advance, analysts remain cautious about the outcomes in Saudi Arabia, particularly as Putin appears to perceive an advantage in the conflict theatre. Boyechko urged a robust American stance to ensure that any ceasefire agreement upholds Ukrainian interests, arguing that a partial ceasefire would predominantly benefit Russia.

Keith Kellogg noted, “We are putting what we call technical teams in what are called proximity talks in Saudi Arabia, where both sides come in; they are kept in separate rooms.” Meanwhile, Steve Witkoff highlighted, “The elephant in the room is, there are constitutional issues within Ukraine as to what they can concede to with regard to giving up territory.” Boyechko reiterated that a complete ceasefire is essential, stating, “The U.S. must put greater pressure on Russia to agree to the full 30-day ceasefire that was negotiated between the U.S. and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia last week—a partial ceasefire serves only Russia’s interests.”

Looking ahead, substantial diplomatic efforts are anticipated in Saudi Arabia following the recent Trump-Putin conversation. Ukrainian sources have expressed hope for at least a partial ceasefire to materialize from these discussions.

Brendan Cole, a senior reporter for Newsweek, covers significant geopolitical issues including the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

In conclusion, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia are pivotal for attempting to establish a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. The U.S. seeks to navigate these discussions with careful diplomacy, balancing pressure on Russia while advocating for Ukraine’s interests. The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but there is a strong hope for progress towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Engaging with both parties while addressing the complexities of territorial claims will be critical in these efforts.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com

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