U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire Progressing in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian officials are in talks in Saudi Arabia aiming for a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, with President Trump urging a swift resolution. While proposals for temporary ceasefires exist, attacks continue unabated. Expectations for quick results are tempered, as discussions focus on critical issues, including energy and the Black Sea grain deal.

U.S. and Russian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 25, aiming for a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. This follows previous talks between delegates from Washington and Kyiv. U.S. President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift resolution to the three-year conflict, with the hope that these discussions can lead to significant progress. Although both sides have introduced differing plans for temporary ceasefires, cross-border attacks persist unabated.

The talks were intended to occur concurrently to facilitate shuttle diplomacy; however, they are now being held sequentially. According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the U.S.-Russia discussions began around 7:30 GMT. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their meeting with American officials late Sunday night. Umerov described the discussions as productive, covering essential topics, including energy, and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope that an agreement reached in Riyadh could lay the groundwork for a full ceasefire. He stated, “I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries.”

However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov tempered expectations about a swift resolution, underscoring that they are at the initial stages of negotiation. He informed that many issues regarding the potential ceasefire implementation remain unresolved, as President Vladimir Putin dismissed calls for an immediate pause, proposing a halt only on energy facilities.

Peskov indicated that talks with the U.S. would primarily focus on potentially reviving the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which had allowed safe navigation for Ukrainian agricultural exports. Moscow abandoned the deal in 2023, claiming insufficient Western compliance with commitments to ease sanctions on Russian agriculture products.

Kyiv plans to propose a broader ceasefire that encompasses all assaults on energy infrastructure and naval strikes. Despite ongoing discussions, fresh drone attacks from both sides occurred just before the negotiations began. Ukrainian officials reported that a recent Russian drone strike in Kyiv resulted in civilian casualties, highlighting the conflict’s escalating toll on the population.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for increased pressure from allies on Russia to end these hostilities, stating on social media, “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war.” Concurrently, Moscow enters the Saudi negotiations with renewed confidence following improved relations with Washington under Trump’s administration, as Peskov pointed out the potential for fruitful cooperation between the nations despite existing disagreements.

The U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia represent a crucial unfolding of diplomatic efforts towards a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict. Both nations have proposed divergent plans, but persistent hostilities complicate the process. The dialogue aims to address immediate goals such as the Black Sea grain export deal and a broader ceasefire, while recent drone attacks escalate the urgency for effective solutions. The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact the trajectory of the ongoing war.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com