Saudi Arabia Hosts Third Round of US, Russian, and Ukrainian Peace Talks
Saudi Arabia is hosting the third round of US, Russian, and Ukrainian talks focused on establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meetings, held at technical levels, aim to prepare for future high-level discussions. US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, highlighting a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea. Meanwhile, previous agreements regarding a halt in attacks on energy infrastructure have experienced violations, complicating the path towards peace.
Saudi Arabia is currently hosting the third round of talks aimed at establishing a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The discussions are structured into two distinct meetings: the first between US and Ukrainian officials, and the second between US and Russian officials. These meetings are primarily conducted at technical and expert levels to lay the foundation for future high-profile discussions, with anticipation of breakthroughs in the ongoing negotiations.
This third round of talks is a continuation of prior meetings that occurred between American representatives and both Russian and Ukrainian leaders, with Saudi Arabia playing a vital role in fostering a conducive environment for peace discussions. The overarching goal of these efforts is to advance steps toward securing a ceasefire and establishing a long-lasting peace between Moscow and Kyiv.
US envoy Steve Witkoff has conveyed optimism regarding the potential for ending the conflict in Europe. In an interview with Fox News, he expressed, “I feel that [Russian President Vladimir Putin] wants peace… I believe you will see tangible progress in Saudi Arabia tomorrow (Monday), particularly regarding the ceasefire in the Black Sea for ships between the two countries. From there, things will naturally move toward a comprehensive ceasefire.”
Concurrent to these developments, US and Ukrainian officials convened in Riyadh to deliberate on ceasefire initiatives between Russia and Ukraine. Keith Kellogg, US President Donald Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, confirmed the initiation of technical negotiations between Russia and the US in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted the discussions via social media, mentioning that critical issues such as energy infrastructure were addressed, echoing President Volodymyr Zelensky’s commitment to a fair and lasting peace. It was noted that proposals for safeguarding energy facilities were also explored.
In the preceding week, an agreement was made between Russia and Ukraine to observe a 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure. Despite this, Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted an oil depot in Russia’s Krasnodar Region and a gas metering station near Sudzha in Kursk, leading to accusations of violating the agreed energy truce from Moscow, which has threatened retaliation.
Looking ahead, Witkoff reiterated his positive outlook regarding the forthcoming meeting with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. He anticipated substantial advancements, particularly concerning a ceasefire agreement for maritime activities in the Black Sea. Furthermore, Witkoff elaborated on the US proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire that would transition into a permanent truce, a plan he confirmed during an interview with journalist Tucker Carlson.
In summary, the third round of talks in Saudi Arabia signifies a crucial effort in the ongoing quest for peace between Russia and Ukraine. With both technical negotiations underway and optimistic appraisals from US envoy Steve Witkoff, expectations for substantial progress are high. The discussions not only focus on immediate ceasefire initiatives but also emphasize broader issues like energy security, thus indicating a multifaceted approach towards achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: en.royanews.tv
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