US Pursues Black Sea Ceasefire in Talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia
A U.S. delegation will engage with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to pursue a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, with hopes of a larger cessation of violence in Ukraine. While U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is optimistic about progress, stark differences with Russian expectations complicate talks. Reports also highlight ongoing conflict intensity, including drone strikes causing civilian casualties and recent territorial shifts.
A United States delegation will engage in talks with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, seeking a ceasefire in the Black Sea and broader cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. The White House’s objective is to establish a maritime ceasefire conducive to unhindered shipping operations. Despite hopes from US envoy Steve Witkoff for meaningful progress, significant disparities remain between US and Russian positions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioning about the challenges ahead.
Witkoff expressed optimism that tangible advancements towards a Black Sea ceasefire could be made in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that such a ceasefire may lead towards a larger truce in fighting. Meanwhile, he criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s appeal for peacekeepers as a mere “posture and a pose,” reflecting a simplistic understanding of the situation. Witkoff also expressed a somewhat favorable view of President Putin, depicting him as intelligent and a potential proponent of peace.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is striving to finalize a comprehensive truce by Easter, targeting an agreement by April 20, 2024. However, sources suggest the timeline might be optimistic. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the recent dialogues with the US delegation as “constructive and meaningful,” addressing critical issues, including the energy sector.
On a concerning note, over 140 drones attacked Ukraine on Sunday, resulting in at least seven fatalities, including a child. Kyiv experienced a prolonged aerial assault lasting more than five hours, during which residential areas were struck by debris from intercepted drones. Russian forces have also made gains, seizing the village of Sribne in Donetsk, while Ukrainian troops reported recapturing the village of Nadia in Luhansk, marking a notable success amid ongoing hostilities.
In summary, the US is actively seeking a ceasefire amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, with significant talks set to occur in Saudi Arabia. Despite optimism from US representatives, differences in expectations between the US and Russia persist, indicating that negotiations may be protracted. Concurrently, the situation on the ground remains volatile as both Ukrainian and Russian forces report territorial gains, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
Post Comment