U.S. and Russia Initiate Ceasefire Negotiations in Saudi Arabia

U.S. and Russian officials have initiated ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, following prior talks involving a Ukrainian delegation. Key figures from both nations are participating, with discussions centered on verification measures and confidence-building actions, including the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.

Negotiations for a partial ceasefire in Ukraine have commenced in Saudi Arabia, involving U.S. officials and a Russian delegation, as reported by Russian state media. The Russian side is led by Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the upper chamber of parliament, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the Director of the Federal Security Service.

These discussions follow a meeting in Riyadh where a Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, met with a U.S. team to outline their positions. U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz announced that the U.S. delegation’s focus includes the exploration of a ceasefire in the Black Sea and examining “the line of control” between the two nations.

Waltz elaborated on the objectives of the talks, identifying them as “verification measures, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are.” Additionally, he mentioned the inclusion of “confidence-building measures” in discussions, particularly concerning the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia during the conflict.

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The recent talks in Saudi Arabia represent a significant step towards addressing the Ukraine conflict, focusing on a potential ceasefire and various measures aimed at building confidence between the warring nations. The involvement of key U.S. and Russian officials underscores the international stakes surrounding the situation, particularly concerning humanitarian issues such as the return of displaced children.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com