U.S. and Russian negotiators are holding talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. The discussions focus on halting long-range attacks and commercial shipping security. While both sides have expressed willingness for negotiation, significant discrepancies remain regarding ceasefire terms. Ongoing attacks amidst negotiations raise concerns over the sincerity of efforts toward peace.

U.S. and Russian negotiators commenced talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Russian news agencies. These discussions followed earlier negotiations involving U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. The focus of the meetings is to establish a pause in long-range attacks on energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, alongside measures for safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea.

A limited ceasefire was agreed upon in principle after discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of Ukraine and Russia. However, discrepancies have emerged regarding the targets excluded from attacks, with both sides accusing each other of complicating the ceasefire. The White House suggested that the ceasefire covers ‘energy and infrastructure,’ while the Kremlin maintained it encompasses only ‘energy infrastructure.’ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy additionally called for protection of railways and ports.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stressed that the agreement pertains solely to energy facilities, with the Russian military acting on Putin’s directive to halt attacks for thirty days. In contrast, Peskov accused Ukraine of undermining the ceasefire following an attack on a gas metering station in Sudzha, which Ukraine denies, attributing the attack to Russian military actions instead.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, Russia launched drone strikes across Ukraine, resulting in multiple fatalities, including a father and his young daughter in Kyiv. President Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s continued aggression and reiterated the need for heightened pressure on Russia from international partners. Zelenskyy advocated for a complete 30-day ceasefire, which Putin has linked to a suspension of arms supplies to Ukraine, a condition Ukraine has dismissed.

Steve Witkoff, special envoy for Trump, expressed optimism about achieving progress in Riyadh talks, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire for ships, stating it might lead to broader cessation of hostilities. Zelenskyy noted that discussions with U.S. representatives focused on technical matters involving military and energy sectors, maintaining a constructive dialogue and the need for Putin to be compelled to order an end to strikes.

Ukrzaliznytsia, the national railway operator, reported a significant cyber attack impacting its online services but confirmed ongoing train operations. Additionally, drone strikes in Ukraine resulted in injuries across several regions, with reports of civilian casualties and damage to residential areas reported by local officials. These incidents highlight the continued volatility in the region amidst ceasefire attempts and ongoing negotiations.

The negotiations in Saudi Arabia mark a critical step towards a potential partial ceasefire between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. Despite the tensions and ongoing hostilities, both sides recognize the necessity of dialogue. The path forward is fraught with challenges, especially regarding differing interpretations of ceasefire agreements and conditions. As negotiations progress, the international community’s role becomes increasingly vital in exerting pressure on Russia to adhere to a substantive ceasefire agreement.

Original Source: www.usnews.com

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