U.S. and Russian delegations began peace talks in Saudi Arabia regarding the Ukraine conflict. President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for a real ceasefire order from Putin. The discussions will focus on a Black Sea ceasefire and future verification measures. Meanwhile, Russia’s drone attacks highlight ongoing hostilities amid these negotiations.

Peace negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine commenced on Monday in Saudi Arabia, as per recent media reports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a previous meeting with a U.S. delegation in Riyadh was “quite useful.” He emphasized the importance of compelling President Putin to order a genuine cessation of hostilities, indicating that the initiator of the war must also be responsible for its resolution.

Leading the U.S. delegation is Andrew Peek, a senior director at the National Security Council, along with Michael Anton from the State Department. The Russian delegation is represented by Grigory Karasin, head of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, advisor to the Federal Security Service. Discussions are anticipated to focus on establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea region, as noted by U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed skepticism regarding President Putin’s intentions toward Europe, asserting that he does not see the Russian leader aiming to invade the continent. Witkoff remarked that the current geopolitical climate differs significantly from World War II, citing NATO’s presence. Moreover, he expressed optimism about progress in achieving a ceasefire.

In a stark contrast to the diplomatic endeavors, Russia executed a large-scale drone assault on Kyiv and other urban centers, underscoring the considerable obstacles that remain before any potential peace agreement can be realized.

The commencement of peace talks in Saudi Arabia represents a significant diplomatic effort to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy highlighted the necessity for meaningful action from Russia, specifically a commitment to cease hostilities. While there is cautious optimism from U.S. representatives, recent military actions by Russia indicate a challenging path ahead towards achieving a stable ceasefire and comprehensive peace agreement.

Original Source: klin.com

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