U.S. and Russia Initiate Ceasefire Negotiations Amid Ongoing Hostilities
U.S. and Russian negotiators began talks in Saudi Arabia focusing on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. Aiming for a halt in attacks on energy facilities, discussions also cover Black Sea hostilities. Despite reaching a tentative accord, disagreements remain regarding the ceasefire’s scope, which needs resolution amid ongoing Russian drone strikes causing casualties.
On Monday, U.S. and Russian negotiators met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, as reported by Russian state media. This meeting follows prior discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the region.
The primary goal of these discussions is to achieve a temporary pause in long-range attacks aimed at energy facilities and civilian infrastructure. Additionally, negotiators are considering a ceasefire in the Black Sea to protect commercial shipping from hostilities.
Last Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia reached a tentative agreement for a limited ceasefire after direct discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and the leaders of both countries. However, there is a disagreement over the agreement’s scope, with the White House asserting it covers both energy and infrastructure, while Russia claims it is limited to energy infrastructure alone. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has sought the inclusion of railways and ports in this protective measure.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia conducted drone strikes in Ukraine on Sunday night, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a father and his five-year-old daughter in Kyiv. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for increased international pressure, stating, “There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror,” and calling for decisive actions by international partners, including the U.S. and European nations.
Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to support a full 30-day ceasefire, a proposal from Trump, yet conditions set by Russian President Vladimir Putin remain a hurdle. Putin demands a cessation of Western arms shipments to Ukraine and a halt to Ukraine’s military mobilization—terms firmly rejected by Kyiv and its allies.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed a hopeful outlook regarding the negotiations, stating during an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” “We expect some real progress at the talks in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire for ships between both countries… naturally gravitate toward a full-on shooting ceasefire.”
The U.S. and Russia are engaged in ceasefire discussions aimed at mitigating hostilities in Ukraine, specifically targeting long-range attacks and ensuring Black Sea shipping safety. Despite these efforts, recent Russian drone strikes resulted in fatalities in Ukraine, underlining the urgency for effective diplomatic solutions. The negotiations face challenges, particularly around terms set by Putin, which include demands that Ukraine has rejected. Continued international pressure is essential for achieving a more comprehensive and lasting ceasefire agreement.
Original Source: www.newsx.com
