A US delegation, led by Steve Witkoff, is negotiating a ceasefire with Russian officials in Riyadh. The talks come after positive dialogues in Ukraine, but stark differences remain. Russia’s recent drone attacks and demands complicate negotiations. Witkoff’s comments on Russian territorial claims raise eyebrows in Ukraine, while President Zelensky emphasizes Putin’s responsibility to end the war.

The United States delegation, steered by Steve Witkoff, engages in critical discussions with Russian officials in Riyadh, focusing on achieving a ceasefire regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These talks come on the heels of deemed productive discussions in Kyiv involving US envoy Keith Kellog and Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov. However, significant gaps in expectations remain between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

A recent surge of Russian drone assaults resulted in casualties in Ukraine, intensifying the atmosphere surrounding the negotiations. Moscow has accused Kyiv of targeting its energy infrastructure, raising skepticism about the prospects of a ceasefire agreement. Notably, the Russian delegation features significant figures, such as Grigory Karasin and Sergey Beseda, with Beseda embodying a hardline approach toward Ukraine.

Witkoff’s previous statements suggesting the recognition of Russian aspirations pertaining to certain Ukrainian territories have sparked contention. During a podcast, he characterized regions sought by Russia—namely Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk—as predominantly “Russian speaking,” raising eyebrows in Ukraine. The 2022 referendums held by Russia in these areas were dismissed globally as illegitimate.

Moscow has stipulated that any ceasefire must prevent Ukraine from repositioning its military forces. Concurrently, President Vladimir Putin must confront the demands, including a NATO membership ban for Ukraine. President Zelensky has firmly asserted that the onus lies with Putin to resolve the ongoing conflict, emphasizing, “The one who brought this war must take it away.” This situation is evolving and will continue to be monitored closely.

In summary, the United States is endeavoring to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine through high-profile meetings in Riyadh. Despite some productive discussions, mistrust and significant expectations divide the parties involved. Witkoff’s statements on Russian territorial aspirations add complexity to the negotiations. Moreover, Moscow’s demands complicate the path toward peace, leaving President Zelensky to underscore the necessity for Putin to assume accountability for resolving the conflict.

Original Source: www.cnn.com

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