Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Ongoing Russian Attacks on Ukraine
Ceasefire negotiations between Russia and Ukraine began in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. The talks include discussions on territorial control and confidence-building measures, while Russia continues its military assaults. US envoy Steve Witkoff’s remarks raised eyebrows in Kyiv, suggesting a possible alignment between US and Russian positions.
Negotiations for a partial Russia-Ukraine ceasefire have commenced in Saudi Arabia, led by a US delegation, as confirmed by the Kremlin. These discussions began on Monday morning and follow recent talks between US and Ukrainian representatives. The primary objective is to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to facilitate unhindered shipping operations, according to the White House.
White House national security adviser Mike Waltz stated that discussions will also include “the line of control” between Russia and Ukraine, encompassing verification measures, peacekeeping initiatives, and freezing existing territorial lines. Additionally, confidence-building measures, such as the potential return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia, are being examined during these talks.
US envoy Steve Witkoff has criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s proposal for a “coalition of the willing” to send ground troops to Ukraine post-ceasefire as a misguided approach. Witkoff rejected the simplistic belief that current leaders should emulate Winston Churchill. He emphasized the supportive role of NATO, unlike during World War II, stressing that fears of a Russian invasion across Europe are exaggerated.
Following Witkoff’s comments, which raised eyebrows in Kyiv, Russia intensified its attacks, reportedly launching its third consecutive overnight assault on Kyiv that resulted in injuries and property damage. The Ukrainian air force has claimed to have intercepted a significant number of drones from these assaults, as the country endured a brutal weekend of strikes.
Analysis of Witkoff’s remarks indicates a possible alignment between US and Russian perspectives, particularly those pertaining to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. In interviews, Witkoff suggested that Putin seeks peace and dismissed European concerns about further territorial expansions as “preposterous.” This has been seen by Russian media as an endorsement of their narrative, highlighting a surprising convergence of US and Russian rhetoric.
Witkoff’s assertion that the majority of residents in Russian-controlled eastern Ukraine desire allegiance to Russia has sparked controversy, with critics labeling the referenda in those regions as illegitimate. Commentary from Russian media has echoed Witkoff’s sentiments, suggesting an opening for recognizing Russian territorial claims.
In ongoing developments, the recent drone strikes across several Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv and Odesa, resulted in numerous casualties, further escalating the humanitarian crisis. Kyiv’s officials remarked on the severity of the attacks as emergency services were mobilized to respond to the destruction.
The recent negotiations for a ceasefire in Saudi Arabia highlight the ongoing complexity of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. With a focus on achieving a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, discussions also encompass critical issues like the line of control and confidence-building measures. However, attacks from Russia persist, exacerbating the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. The statements from US envoy Steve Witkoff have drawn mixed reactions, revealing a potential shift in the dialogue between the US and Russia regarding the conflict’s narrative and territorial claims.
Original Source: news.sky.com
