US and Russia Initiate Diplomatic Talks in Riyadh to Address Ukraine Conflict

US-Russian talks began in Riyadh to negotiate a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, discussions aim to build on previous productive meetings and establish a potential 30-day ceasefire. The Russian side includes notable figures such as Sergey Beseda, with significant diplomatic hurdles still evident. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy stresses the need for decisive action from Russia to end the conflict.

Negotiations between US and Russian officials commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, led by US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. This meeting aims to facilitate a ceasefire amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and follows previous talks involving US and Ukrainian representatives. Observers from the US and Europe are hopeful that the discussions may yield a 30-day ceasefire and initiate long-term peace negotiations.

Russian delegates at the meeting include prominent figures such as Grigory Karasin and Sergey Beseda. Beseda, identified as a nationalist and supporter of the Russian invasion since February 2022, has garnered criticism from Ukrainian officials. Witkoff voiced a perspective sympathetic to Russia’s objectives, referencing the territorial claims in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk as “Russian speaking” areas, despite widespread condemnation of the referendums that legitimized these claims.

The Russian stance on a ceasefire is contingent upon Ukraine’s agreement not to utilize the period for military replenishment. Russia has also insisted that Ukraine must never be permitted to join NATO. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shifted the responsibility for ending the war to President Vladimir Putin and emphasized the need for a real order to halt hostilities.

During the delegation meeting, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the discussions as “productive and focused,” highlighting topics such as energy security. Zelenskyy reiterated the goal of achieving a just peace for Ukraine and Europe while acknowledging that tangible action from Russia is necessary to progress towards a resolution.

The initial talks in Riyadh between US and Russian negotiators represent a significant attempt to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The involvement of key officials from both sides underscores the urgency for a ceasefire, though fundamental disagreements remain. Both parties are navigating complex territorial and political issues, with the emphasis on achieving a long-term resolution that addresses security concerns in Europe.

Original Source: www.tribuneindia.com