U.S. and Russian Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire Commence in Saudi Arabia
U.S. and Russian negotiators began ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia amid military escalations in Ukraine. The focus is on halting attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure and ensuring safe shipping in the Black Sea. Disagreements over ceasefire terms and reciprocal blame complicate negotiations as casualties from continued strikes mount across Ukraine.
On Monday, U.S. and Russian negotiators began discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, following a preliminary round of talks between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations. The negotiations, which took place in Riyadh, aim to address halting long-range attacks on both sides targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure, including safe passage for commercial shipping in the Black Sea.
Earlier agreements indicated a ceasefire after U.S. President Donald Trump engaged with Ukrainian and Russian leaders. However, both sides have differing interpretations of the targets that should remain off-limits, with each accusing the other of undermining the ceasefire efforts. The White House suggests a broader coverage encompassing “energy and infrastructure,” while Russia insists it strictly refers to “energy infrastructure.”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is pushing for additional protections for railways and ports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated the limitation of the agreement to energy facilities and claimed the Russian military is adhering to a 30-day cessation of attacks as ordered by Putin. He accuses Ukraine of violating the ceasefire with an attack on a gas facility, which Ukraine denies, attributing the incident to Russian shelling.
Despite ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire, Russia intensified its military activities, including drone attacks over the weekend that resulted in casualties, including a father and daughter in Kyiv. Zelenskyy criticized the continuation of hostilities while a ceasefire proposal remains on the table, urging increased international pressure on Russia.
While Zelenskyy advocates for a full 30-day ceasefire, Putin’s conditions include halting arms supplies to Ukraine and military mobilization—demands that Ukraine and its allies reject. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, expressed optimism about achieving progress, particularly regarding Black Sea ceasefires.
Zelenskyy reported that discussions with U.S. representatives focused on technical matters involving military and energy sectors, highlighting the constructive nature of the talks. He reiterated the need for Putin to unequivocally order an end to hostilities for conversations to yield results.
Additionally, Ukraine’s railway operator experienced a significant cyberattack, disrupting online services but not affecting train operations. Meanwhile, drone strikes attributed to Russia caused injuries across various Ukrainian regions, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, emphasizing the ongoing dangers posed by military actions in the conflict zone.
The U.S. and Russian negotiators initiated ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia focusing on Ukraine, which coincides with renewed military escalations. Differing interpretations of ceasefire terms remain contentious, as both sides blame each other for undermining peace. Despite President Zelenskyy’s calls for comprehensive ceasefire conditions, Russia’s preconditions continue to pose significant hurdles. The ongoing drone attacks underline the urgency for a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
