Kremlin: Difficult Ceasefire Negotiations as Russia and US Meet in Saudi Arabia
The Kremlin anticipates challenging ceasefire talks between Russia and the U.S. in Saudi Arabia. Key issues include NATO expansion, Ukraine’s security needs, and provisions for maritime navigation in the Black Sea. Following a call between Trump and Putin, a focus on energy and infrastructure ceasefires has emerged, but progress remains uncertain.
The Kremlin has labeled the upcoming ceasefire negotiations between Russia and the United States as “difficult.” Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the Kremlin, noted that these talks, scheduled for Saudi Arabia, are still in the preliminary phase. A primary focus for Moscow will be establishing safe commercial navigation in the Black Sea, as mentioned by Peskov who stressed, “We are only at the beginning of this path.”
While these negotiations aim to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a swift resolution is deemed unlikely. Russian President Vladimir Putin insists that any lasting peace agreement must confront the underlying issues of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, particularly its opposition to NATO’s expansion. Ukraine, on its part, considers NATO membership vital for its defense strategy against potential future threats from Russia.
In parallel, discussions have been influenced by a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Putin. The White House indicated that both leaders agreed the initial peace steps should involve an “energy and infrastructure ceasefire,” progressing to a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea” before working towards a comprehensive ceasefire.
Moreover, Putin has requested that any sustainable agreement contains provisions to halt military assistance and intelligence sharing between Ukraine and its Western backers. As the Saudi Arabia talks commence, the potential for substantial progress remains uncertain.
The upcoming ceasefire negotiations in Saudi Arabia will focus on multiple challenges, including Russia’s stance on NATO and Ukraine’s security goals. Despite attempts to foster dialogue, the road to peace appears fraught with complexities. Outcomes of the discussions will largely depend on addressing both the concerns raised by Russia and the strategic aspirations of Ukraine, as well as the involvement of the U.S. in facilitating these talks.
Original Source: www.republicworld.com
