Ukrainian and Russian delegations will hold indirect ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24, focusing on maritime ceasefire proposals and grain supply issues in the Black Sea. Ukraine advocates for a comprehensive ceasefire, while Russia proposes limited terms. The discussions will take place in separate rooms, reflecting ongoing tensions despite hopes for peace. Experts voice skepticism about achieving effective agreements without international supervision.

On March 24, Ukrainian and Russian delegations will engage in ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, though face-to-face meetings will not occur, indicating significant divisions despite optimistic views from the White House. This was reported by The Washington Post.

The talks will specifically address maritime ceasefire proposals in the Black Sea, with participants communicating through intermediaries while they remain in separate rooms. Keith Kellogg, who served as Donald Trump’s special representative for Ukraine and Russia, described the format as akin to “shuttle diplomacy in a hotel.”

Ukraine aims for a comprehensive ceasefire without preconditions, contrasting with President Vladimir Putin’s narrower proposal, which calls for a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure. Samuel Charap, a Russia analyst at the Rand Corporation, cautioned that ceasefire situations are fragile and may experience setbacks, describing the process as “one step forward, two steps back.”

Andriy Stavnitser, co-owner and CEO of Ukraine’s largest port, TIS, expressed skepticism about reaching agreements with Russia, citing previous experiences of sabotage and deliberate delays during past discussions in Istanbul. He emphasized the necessity of having international observers on the ground to ensure compliance.

Discussions will also encompass grain supply issues in the Black Sea, building on a 2022 agreement permitting Ukraine to export grain from its ports. However, the initiative has faced ongoing challenges and accusations from Russia regarding the misuse of safe corridors for military operations.

The Russian delegation will include Grigory Karasin, a senator responsible for foreign affairs, along with Sergey Beseda, a senior advisor to the Federal Security Service. Ukraine will be represented by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, Pavlo Palisa, accompanied by experts in energy and port infrastructure.

The negotiations are further supported by American mediators, including Michael Anton, who serves as the policy planning director, and aides to Keith Kellogg, along with representatives from the national security adviser’s office. Note that President Zelenskyy announced parallel technical discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. teams in Saudi Arabia on the same day. Furthermore, the Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Ministry has ruled out the prospect of direct talks with Russia, indicating that the focus will remain on separate discussions.

The impending ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and Russian delegations highlight the complexities of the ongoing conflict, particularly concerning maritime agreements in the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. While Ukraine seeks broad cessation terms, Russia offers limited proposals, raising skepticism among Ukrainian leaders. The negotiation format emphasizes indirect communication, amidst concerns about past ceasefire violations and the need for international oversight. The outcomes of these talks remain uncertain given the delicate and critical state of affairs in the region.

Original Source: global.espreso.tv

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