U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, revisiting a 2022 Black Sea initiative. The Ukrainian delegation awaits results from the talks, with both sides expressing varying levels of optimism and concern about potential agreements amidst ongoing violence and civilian casualties in Kyiv.

American and Russian officials convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to deliberate on a potential partial ceasefire concerning Ukraine. This meeting occurred shortly after discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives took place, as President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict. Notably, the agenda includes revisiting a 2022 Black Sea ceasefire agreement.

The Ukrainian delegation, which previously engaged in talks with U.S. officials, remained on standby awaiting developments from the discussions between the American and Russian teams. A senior Ukrainian official indicated that any further meetings with U.S. representatives depend on progress made during these talks.

President Trump’s urgency for a quick conclusion to the three-year conflict has been accentuated by earlier discussions held in Jeddah. During these talks, Ukraine had consented to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, only to have it rejected by Russia. Presently, negotiations are focusing on resuming the Black Sea Initiative, which facilitated grain exports from Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the discussions over the Black Sea Initiative are crucial, affirming that this topic featured prominently in the negotiations. Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, reported that prior talks were constructive and centered on significant matters, including energy.

Steve Witkoff, an envoy for Trump, expressed optimism that tangible progress would emerge from the Riyadh talks, potentially leading to a comprehensive ceasefire. He suggested that a successful agreement on a Black Sea ceasefire could lead naturally to broader ceasefire negotiations.

However, the Kremlin has tempered expectations regarding quick advancements, emphasizing that substantial negotiations remain ahead. Russian President Vladimir Putin rebuffed the call from the U.S. and Ukraine for an immediate ceasefire, instead proposing a limited halt in strikes on energy facilities. Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Initiative in 2023 adds further complexity to the discussions.

Ukrainian officials reported a tragic incident involving a Russian drone strike in Kyiv that resulted in civilian casualties, underscoring the ongoing violence amid diplomatic efforts. The backdrop of these negotiations includes Moscow’s renewed confidence stemming from improved U.S.-Russia relations under President Trump, as Peskov noted the potential for beneficial cooperation between the two nations despite existing disagreements.

In summary, the ongoing U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia represent a concerted effort to establish a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Key topics include the revival of the Black Sea Initiative and an examination of proposals for broader ceasefire agreements. Despite some optimism from American officials, the Kremlin remains cautious about the negotiations’ outcomes. Recent violence in Kyiv highlights the urgency and complexity of achieving peace in the region.

Original Source: www.voiceofalexandria.com

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