Ceasefire discussions between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. White House adviser Mike Waltz highlighted issues including the line of control, verification measures, and the return of Ukrainian children. Concurrently, ongoing attacks on Kyiv by Russia raise concerns about the conflict’s escalation amid these negotiations.

Negotiations aimed at establishing a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine have commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by a US delegation, according to Kremlin reports. The discussions, which started on Monday morning, follow prior talks between US and Ukrainian officials. The White House delineated that the primary goal of these talks is to achieve a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of shipping in the region.

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated during an interview on CBS’s Face the Nation that the discussions would encompass “the line of control” between the two nations, entailing various verification measures and peacekeeping strategies. He mentioned that topics such as “confidence-building measures,” specifically the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, will also be on the agenda.

In the backdrop of these dialogues, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff critiqued UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposals, characterizing them as a “combination of a posture and a pose.” Starmer has suggested forming a “coalition of the willing,” comprised of several European and NATO countries, to provide military support in Ukraine post-ceasefire.

Mr. Witkoff, leading the US negotiations, expressed doubts about Starmer’s views and remarked on the effectiveness of NATO compared to the circumstances of World War II. He shared insights from his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, expressing a personal affinity and claiming, “I don’t regard Putin as a bad guy.”

Meanwhile, as negotiations advance, Russia has initiated its third consecutive overnight offensive on Kyiv, resulting in injuries and property damage. Reports from Ukraine’s air force indicated that it successfully intercepted 57 out of 99 drones amid a weekend marked by deadly strikes, which reportedly led to at least seven fatalities in various regions including Kharkiv and Odesa. Mayor Vitali Klitschko of Kyiv described the recent assault as “massive,” with emergency services actively engaged in response operations across affected districts.

In summary, the ongoing ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia represent a significant diplomatic effort to mitigate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with a particular focus on achieving a maritime ceasefire. While the dialogues are intended to foster peace through various measures, the concurrent military actions in Ukraine underscore the complexities of the situation. The statements from diplomatic figures reflect a broader struggle for consensus on international military engagement and the dynamic implications of ongoing aggression in the region.

Original Source: news.sky.com

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