U.S. and Russian Negotiators Hold Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian negotiators are holding talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, following a previous round of negotiations with U.S. and Ukrainian representatives. The focus is on stopping long-range attacks and ensuring safe commercial shipping in the Black Sea. However, conflicting interpretations of the ceasefire terms persist between the involved parties, particularly about what targets are protected.

On Monday, U.S. and Russian negotiators convened in Saudi Arabia to address a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting followed discussions involving U.S. and Ukrainian negotiators earlier the same day, as reported by Russian news outlets.

The negotiations in Riyadh aim to establish specifics regarding a pause in long-range attacks targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, as well as a cessation of conflicts in the Black Sea to safeguard commercial shipping.

In principle, Ukraine and Russia agreed on a limited ceasefire the previous Wednesday, following communication between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of both nations. However, discrepancies have arisen regarding which targets would be protected during the ceasefire.

The White House indicated that “energy and infrastructure” would be shielded, while the Kremlin proposed a more focused definition narrowly concerning “energy infrastructure.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed a desire for additional protections for railways and ports.

Recently, Russia conducted extensive drone assaults across Ukraine, resulting in the fatalities of seven individuals, including a father and his daughter in Kyiv. Zelenskyy urged for increased international pressure on Russia to halt such actions, emphasizing the reliance of Ukraine on its global partners, including the U.S. and Europe.

Zelenskyy has indicated Ukraine’s openness to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump. Conversely, Russian President Vladimir Putin has stipulated that a complete ceasefire hinges on the cessation of arms supplies to Ukraine and halting Ukraine’s military mobilization, which have been firmly rejected by Ukraine and its Western allies.

Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” stating that he anticipates significant advancements during the Saudi talks, especially regarding a Black Sea ceasefire. He suggested that such agreement would naturally progress towards a complete cessation of hostilities between both nations.

In summary, U.S. and Russian negotiators are engaged in discussions aimed at establishing a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, focusing particularly on safeguarding energy infrastructure and civilian safety. Both parties have differing interpretations of the ceasefire terms, specifically regarding what is to be protected from attacks. Ongoing military aggression by Russia, coupled with Ukraine’s need for international support, underscores the complexity of achieving a sustainable resolution in the region. The outcome of these talks will significantly impact the future of confrontations between Ukraine and Russia.

Original Source: www.seattletimes.com