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

U.S. and Russian delegations are engaged in ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a maritime truce in the Black Sea. U.S. officials are leading, seeking agreements for free shipping movement, while former President Trump mediates. However, violence continues, and expectations for breakthroughs are tempered by unresolved issues.

U.S. and Russian delegations have initiated ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, as reported by Russian state news agency Tass. These talks focus on establishing a maritime truce in the Black Sea, with broader agreements anticipated in ongoing negotiations. Senior U.S. officials Andrew Peek and Michael Anton are leading the talks, while Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda.

The U.S. aims for an arrangement that ensures the unhindered movement of shipping within the Black Sea, a crucial goal for Moscow that could facilitate future ceasefire negotiations. This dialogue emerged following previous discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. Former President Donald Trump has also been actively engaging both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to promote an end to the ongoing conflict.

The prospects for any agreement are contingent upon recent developments, including Putin’s endorsement of Trump’s proposal for a temporary 30-day cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure. Despite these talks, violence persists, with both sides implicated in ongoing strikes. Zelenskyy urged for tangible actions from Moscow, emphasizing the need for Putin to issue a definitive order to stop attacks.

However, the Kremlin has tempered expectations regarding the negotiations’ progress. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that many aspects of the discussions remain unresolved, highlighting that “we are only at the beginning of this path.”

The ongoing ceasefire talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia aim to ensure safe maritime shipping in the Black Sea, with broader agreements anticipated. Former President Trump is mediating between the two nations amidst violence on both sides. However, both sides maintain cautious optimism as unresolved issues could hinder substantial progress.

Original Source: shafaq.com