Negotiations for a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict are set for Monday in Saudi Arabia, with US hoping for progress despite difficult talks as violence continues in Ukraine. US officials express optimism while Ukraine’s President stresses the need for a direct order from Putin to halt attacks.

This report highlights the ongoing efforts for peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, scheduled between US and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia on Monday. Washington expressed its hope for substantial progress towards a ceasefire, whereas Moscow’s representatives cautioned that discussions will be challenging. Recent meetings between Ukrainian and American officials were characterized as productive, focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure in Ukraine.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff conveyed optimism regarding potential advancements in achieving a ceasefire, particularly concerning a Black Sea agreement on maritime military activities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of a direct order from President Putin to halt hostilities to facilitate fruitful negotiations between the nations involved.

Contrarily, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed expectations for a swift resolution, indicating that this was merely the initial phase of negotiations. Despite the United States aiming for a comprehensive ceasefire by April 20, reports suggest that achieving agreement could extend beyond this date due to the significant discrepancies between the positions of Kyiv and Moscow.

Additionally, Witkoff has criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s proposals to deploy peacekeepers in Ukraine as being overly simplistic. He further dispelled fears among NATO allies regarding a potential Russian expansionist agenda, stating that the current geopolitical landscape differs significantly from World War II.

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz highlighted discussions on various confidence-building measures during negotiations. Topics included the situation of Ukrainian children in Russia, future lines of control, and verification mechanisms for any potential peace agreements spanning broader issues.

In the wake of continued violence, at least seven individuals lost their lives due to drone strikes across multiple regions in Ukraine, with damage reported in the capital, Kyiv. The Ukrainian military successfully intercepted 57 out of 99 drones launched by Russia during the night, although their efforts could not prevent casualties. Reports also indicated that Russian forces had captured a village in the Donetsk region as Ukrainian troops regained control of another village in Luhansk.

The article details the ongoing negotiations between the US and Russia aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. While there are optimistic signs from US officials, challenges remain, particularly with differing positions of Russia and Ukraine. The violence continues, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomacy and the humanitarian aspects of the war, such as the impact on civilians and infrastructure.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com

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