Ceasefire Talks to Begin in Saudi Arabia for Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ceasefire talks for the Russia-Ukraine war are scheduled for Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, led by US officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Despite some agreements on energy infrastructure, Ukraine reports ongoing attacks from Russia, creating uncertainty about the ceasefire’s viability. President Putin insists any ceasefire depends on halting military support to Ukraine from its allies, underscoring the complexities in achieving peace.
Ceasefire discussions regarding the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine are set to take place on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff made this announcement on Fox News following a lengthy conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The talks will seek to address terms for a ceasefire deal, particularly focusing on energy infrastructure.
The US delegation, headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, has not publicly confirmed their opposition party counterparts for the negotiations. Witkoff mentioned that Russia has tentatively agreed to ceasefire terms concerning energy infrastructure and Black Sea targets, expressing optimism that Ukraine will also accept these terms.
Despite these developments, Ukraine accused Russia of dismissing the proposed ceasefire, highlighting a renewed series of attacks on civilian infrastructure shortly after Russia’s agreement to pause strikes on energy facilities. Washington is advocating for an extensive 30-day ceasefire as a precursor to a more comprehensive peace agreement in the three-year-long conflict.
In a recent call with Trump, Putin rejected the notion of a ceasefire unless Ukraine’s allies ceased all military support to Ukraine, according to the Kremlin’s account. Witkoff emphasized that the ceasefire proposal encompasses broader infrastructure issues beyond energy. He praised Putin for actions taken to facilitate a potential peace deal, stating his belief that reaching a complete ceasefire is imminent given the existing agreement on key targets.
The upcoming ceasefire talks in Jeddah mark a critical step in addressing the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While initial agreements on energy infrastructure have been reached, the situation remains fragile, with Ukraine’s accusations of continued Russian aggression. The outcome of these negotiations will significantly influence the potential for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com