US and Russia Initiate Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine Conflict
US and Russia engage in ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a one-month pause in strikes on energy facilities. Donald Trump’s involvement introduces hope for progress, though skepticism dominates. Key discussions focus on safeguarding critical infrastructure and resolving major peace treaty disagreements. Ongoing violence complicates the situation, with stark Russian demands undermining prospects for a long-term settlement.
US and Russian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine on Monday. With Donald Trump advocating for a temporary halt to hostilities, both Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed to a one-month pause in strikes on energy infrastructures, contingent on previous conversations between their leaders. However, questions linger regarding the enforcement and extent of this ceasefire, particularly whether it will cover other critical sites like hospitals and bridges.
Meetings unfolded primarily at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh, where US officials held initial discussions with Ukraine before engaging with Russian representatives. The US is likely to facilitate negotiations between the two parties to finalize details and ensure safe shipping in the Black Sea. “The ultimate goal is a 30-day ceasefire, during which time we discuss a permanent ceasefire. We’re not far away from that,” stated US special envoy Steve Witkoff in a weekend podcast.
During the discussions, Ukraine’s delegation addressed proposals for safeguarding energy facilities, with Ukrainian President Volodyr Zelenskyy describing the talks as “completely constructive.” Zelenskyy noted that a list of protected energy sites would be presented to the US to prevent strikes. The Ukrainian team is expected to hold further conversations with US officials following their initial engagement.
Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s defense minister leading the delegation, affirmed their commitment to achieving a just peace and enhancing security. Russia’s representation in the talks includes Sergey Beseda from the FSB and former diplomat Grigory Karasin, who was involved in past negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
The lead-up to the negotiations featured controversial pro-Russian comments from Witkoff, who suggested legitimacy for Russia’s referendums in occupied Ukrainian regions. He stated that “the overwhelming majority of the people have indicated that they want to be under Russian rule,” despite these referendums being criticized as illegitimate by the West. Witkoff, praising Putin during interviews, noted a personal connection and claimed Putin prayed for Trump after an assassination attempt.
Witkoff’s statements and approach to the talks might raise concerns among Ukrainian and European officials. Concurrently, Russia has intensified drone attacks, including recent strikes on Kyiv that resulted in civilian casualties. Current positions on peace treaty terms show significant divergence between Moscow and Kyiv, with little indication that Putin is willing to compromise on his demands.
Moscow’s conditions for a lasting settlement remain rigid, including a complete halt to foreign military aid to Ukraine and recognition of regions annexed by Russia in 2022. The Kremlin has also emphasized the rejection of any foreign troop presence in Ukraine, which Kyiv sees as crucial for security guarantees. Given past instances of Russia failing to uphold agreements, Ukraine continues to harbor skepticism about any prospective deals negotiated with Russia.
The dialogue between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia marks a potential shift towards a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, driven by Trump’s involvement. Critical issues remain unresolved, including the scope of the ceasefire and future security guarantees for Ukraine. While initial talks have sparked some optimism, deep skepticism persists amidst ongoing violence and stark disagreements over peace terms. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence the conflict’s trajectory and broader European security dynamics.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
