US-Led Peace Talks Commence Amid Escalating Ukraine-Russia Tensions
US-led peace talks with Ukraine begin in Saudi Arabia after drone attacks on Moscow. Russia claims to have intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, impacting key infrastructure. Concurrently, discussions among military leaders from over 30 nations aim to create a force to deter future Russian aggression. Ukraine prepares to propose a ceasefire and resource agreements as part of negotiations.
The Ukraine-Russia war has prompted critical peace talks led by the US in Saudi Arabia, following significant drone strikes on Moscow by Ukraine. Ukraine claims its drone attack resulted in casualties and disruptions, while Russia reports destroying 337 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 91 shot down over the Moscow region. The initial discussions have been described as constructive by Ukraine’s envoy, Andriy Yermak, while key US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, participate without Ukraine’s President Zelensky from the talks due to his separate meeting with Saudi officials.
In parallel, military conversations among over 30 nations in Paris aim to form an international force to deter future Russian aggression, focusing on troop size and military response options if a ceasefire agreement is violated. Discussions aim to establish a framework for collective security to reassure Ukraine and prevent further invasions. Ukrainian officials express caution regarding negotiations without robust security guarantees.
Moscow’s mayor reported that 69 Ukrainian drones were intercepted over Moscow, causing damage and leading to flight disruptions across major airports. The Russian defense ministry’s claim of a thwarted large-scale attack echoes previous incidents where Ukraine targeted critical infrastructure in Russia, reportedly in response to ongoing bombings in Ukraine itself.
Amid shifting dynamics, key voices including Marco Rubio emphasize that achieving peace necessitates difficult compromises from both sides. Ukraine plans to propose a limited ceasefire covering specific areas and aims to negotiate terms concerning the release of prisoners and access to vital resources. This approach seeks to rebuild relations following tensions from personal meetings between Ukrainian leader Zelensky and US officials earlier this year.
The ongoing talks in Saudi Arabia signal new efforts to address the conflict in Ukraine, following a substantial drone attack affecting Moscow. Both discussions with the US delegation and military strategy meetings in Paris highlight the critical need for security guarantees as international forces contemplate future responsiveness to Russian aggression. A potential ceasefire proposal and negotiations for resource access reflect Ukraine’s strategic approach to peace efforts in light of the ongoing warfare.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
