Ukraine and Russia confirm participation in upcoming talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a proposed partial ceasefire. Conversations will highlight safety in the Black Sea and protection of energy infrastructure. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts with the U.S. amidst ongoing discussions at an EU summit regarding military support and unity against Russian aggression.

Discussions regarding a United States proposal for a partial ceasefire in Ukraine will resume next week, as Ukrainian and Russian officials confirm their attendance. These meetings, taking place on Monday in Jeddah, will involve separate sessions between U.S. officials and Ukrainian experts, followed by discussions with Russian representatives.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed during a news conference in Oslo his anticipation of these talks, describing the initial meeting as one between Ukraine and the United States, followed by ‘shuttle diplomacy’ with Russia. Meanwhile, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to President Vladimir Putin, confirmed that Russian and U.S. officials would convene in Riyadh, focusing on maritime safety in the Black Sea.

The Russian delegation will include Grigory Karasin, the chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the Federal Security Service. Following a conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, the two leaders briefly discussed the “Black Sea Initiative.” The White House subsequently announced an agreement for technical negotiations regarding a maritime ceasefire.

Following talks with President Trump, both Zelenskyy and Putin agreed to potentially halt attacks on energy infrastructure, despite Zelenskyy initially seeking a broader ceasefire. He committed to collaborating with the United States to shield power facilities from assaults, noting a tension around discussions of U.S. control over the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The significance of the Zaporizhzhia plant is profound, as it previously supplied about one-quarter of Ukraine’s electricity before the conflict. Furthermore, regarding rumors of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory, Zelenskyy revealed that the subject did not arise during his conversation with President Trump. Despite Russia’s claims over Crimea, it remains under international recognition as Ukrainian territory.

In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer convened Western military officials to strategize potential plans for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, contingent upon the establishment of a full ceasefire. Both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have indicated a willingness to deploy peacekeepers, an idea met with strong opposition from Russia, which perceives it as further militarization by Europe.

During his address to the EU leaders’ summit via video link, Zelenskyy highlighted the detrimental nature of Hungary obstructing crucial decisions for EU support of Ukraine. He fiercely advocated for the approval of a substantial artillery purchase package to bolster Ukrainian defenses and called for sustained pressure on Russia.

The resumption of talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials with U.S. representatives signifies a critical moment in addressing the ongoing conflict. Emphasizing a focus on maritime safety and infrastructure protection, the discussions may lead to potential agreements such as a partial ceasefire. Additionally, Zelenskyy’s addresses to EU leaders highlight the pressing need for unified support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing geopolitical tensions and opposition from certain member states.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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