The Kremlin has cautioned against expecting swift peace in the Ukraine conflict, indicating that negotiations are in early stages and that difficult discussions are anticipated. Russian and Ukrainian delegations will meet separately with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. Despite proposing ceasefires, attacks continue, highlighting the ongoing volatility of the situation, with significant impacts on civilians.

On Sunday, the Kremlin expressed caution regarding the prospects for a swift resolution to the Ukraine conflict, indicating that negotiations remain in their preliminary stages and that challenging discussions lie ahead. Russian and Ukrainian delegations are scheduled to engage in separate talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, amid President Donald Trump’s advocacy for a prompt conclusion to the conflict that has persisted for over three years.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that the primary objective of discussions with the United States would be to explore the potential reestablishment of the 2022 Black Sea grain agreement, which had enabled secure passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports. Peskov stated, “On Monday we mainly intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem.”

Despite the issuance of distinct proposals for temporary ceasefires from both sides, hostilities have persisted. A recent Russian attack on Kyiv tragically resulted in the deaths of three civilians. “We are only at the beginning of this path,” Peskov remarked to Russian state television, emphasizing that numerous unresolved questions remain regarding any potential ceasefire’s implementation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a joint request from U.S. and Ukrainian officials for an immediate and comprehensive 30-day suspension of hostilities, suggesting a cessation of attacks solely on energy targets instead. Peskov further acknowledged the impending difficulties of the expected talks.

President Trump announced on Saturday that efforts to deescalate the Ukraine-Russia conflict were “somewhat under control,” with the U.S. aiming for a broad ceasefire within weeks and a potential agreement by April 20, according to Bloomberg News sources. U.S. and Russian experts in Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss measures for ensuring the safety of maritime operations in the Black Sea.

Despite various diplomatic initiatives, both Russia and Ukraine have reported ongoing attacks, with Russian forces pursuing gradual advances in eastern Ukraine, which Russia asserts it has annexed. A significant drone assault by Russia on Kyiv resulted in the deaths of at least three individuals, including a young child, while reports indicated damage to residential buildings.

Additionally, Russian authorities stated on Sunday that their air defenses successfully intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones targeting southwestern regions of Russia, claiming that one individual was killed in the Rostov area. Reports indicate that Russia executed a mass drone attack overnight, resulting in a minimum of seven fatalities in Ukraine. This assault precedes planned ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia, with indirect U.S.-mediated discussions on the agenda for Monday.

The Ukrainian delegation is slated to meet with U.S. officials prior to the indirect negotiations. Ukraine also intends to deploy technical teams to deliberate over the specifics of a partial ceasefire. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russia launched 147 drones targeting various regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, Chernihiv, Odesa, Donetsk, and Kyiv, with air defenses successfully intercepting a significant number of these threats.

In summary, the Kremlin has tempered expectations for an immediate resolution to the Ukraine conflict, outlining that negotiations remain in early stages and that challenging discussions are anticipated. Both parties continue to experience military engagements despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, and the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia aim to address issues surrounding ceasefires and crucial agreements, including the Black Sea grain deal.

Original Source: www.firstpost.com

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