U.S. and Russian negotiators conducted ceasefire talks in Riyadh, focusing on a partial ceasefire amid ongoing military actions in Ukraine. Ukraine aims for broader protections, while disputes over specific ceasefire terms persist. President Zelenskyy calls for international pressure on Russia as drone attacks continue to have devastating impacts on civilians.

On Monday, U.S. and Russian negotiators convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting followed recent talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations, as reported by Russian news agencies, where both sides aimed to deliberate on a cessation of long-range attacks targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, as well as ceasefire protocols in the Black Sea to ensure secure commercial shipping.

Previously, Ukraine and Russia had reached a preliminary agreement on a limited ceasefire after discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of both nations. However, discrepancies arose concerning the specific targets exempt from attacks, with each side accusing the other of undermining progress towards establishing a ceasefire. The White House mentioned a broader scope by including “energy and infrastructure,” while the Kremlin insisted this was confined to “energy infrastructure” alone.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed desires to extend protections to railways and ports that are vital to Ukraine’s operations. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that the limited ceasefire exclusively covered energy facilities and accused Ukraine of hindering negotiations following an attack on a gas metering station in Russia. Ukraine’s military dismissed this claim as it pointed to Russian shelling as the cause of the incident.

Despite ongoing negotiations, Russia continued its military offensives, launching drone attacks across Ukraine that resulted in civilian casualties, including a father and daughter in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy condemned these continued assaults and emphasized the need for increased pressure on Russia from global partners to push for a halt in hostilities, noting a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire since March 11 that has yet to be acknowledged by Russia.

Zelenskyy’s position aligns with his advocacy for a complete, 30-day ceasefire, in contrast to the Russian demands that include a halt to arms supplies to Ukraine and a suspension of military mobilization, which have been firmly dismissed by Ukraine and its allies. Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, projected optimism regarding the outcomes of the current negotiations, particularly on establishing a Black Sea ceasefire that could pave the way for a more comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

In Riyadh, the discussions involving Ukrainian representatives were described by Zelenskyy as more technical in nature, including input from military and energy officials. He communicated the importance of pressuring President Putin to take definitive actions to cease attacks. In another development, Ukraine’s state railway operator, Ukrzaliznytsia, reported a significant cyberattack that impacted online ticket purchasing but did not disrupt train operations. Additionally, ongoing drone attacks, with many being intercepted, caused damage across multiple Ukrainian regions, leading to several injuries.

In summary, recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian representatives aim to establish a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, with a focus on protecting critical infrastructure amid ongoing military aggressions. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy demands strong international pressure on Russia and calls for a comprehensive ceasefire, while the situation remains tense with continued drone attacks from Russian forces. As dialogues evolve, the complexities surrounding terms and conditions for peace underscore the challenges in achieving a resolution.

Original Source: www.news4jax.com

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