U.S.-Russia Negotiations in Saudi Arabia: Focus on Ceasefire and Peace in Ukraine
U.S. and Russian negotiators will resume talks in Saudi Arabia, focusing on a ceasefire in Ukraine and a proposed pause on energy strikes. Concerns arise from comments made by Steve Witkoff regarding Russian influence in annexed territories, contrasting with U.S. non-recognition policies. Zelenskyy stresses the need for Putin to order a stop to hostilities to facilitate peace negotiations.
American and Russian negotiators will meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday, focusing on establishing a ceasefire and a long-term peace plan to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. A significant topic will be the proposed halt on strikes against energy infrastructure, which both Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy have shown tentative support for. Steve Witkoff, a former envoy to the Middle East, expressed optimism about progress, emphasizing the importance of communication in conflict resolution.
The U.S.-Russia discussions follow a productive meeting between American and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh, where President Zelenskyy received updates on the talks from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelenskyy stressed that to end the conflict, Putin must decisively order a stop to the ongoing strikes, asserting that the aggressor should also be the one to seek peace.
Concerns have arisen surrounding Witkoff’s comments, which seem to align with Russian narratives regarding the regions claimed by Moscow. He noted that areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Crimea have majorities expressing a desire to be under Russian governance, while neglecting to mention that these referenda were widely regarded as illegitimate by many international observers.
In contrast, the U.S. has consistently rejected Russian sovereignty claims over these territories, as reiterated by former Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who confirmed in 2022 that the U.S. will not recognize any claims acquired by force. Witkoff’s remarks also highlighted the personal relationships between Trump and Putin, suggesting a reestablishment of communication with the Russian leader, whom he described as not a “bad guy.”
The upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia aim to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine, with key topics including halting strikes on energy infrastructure. Although both presidents show a willingness to pursue peace, concerns linger about narratives surrounding Russian control over annexed territories. Witkoff’s comments suggest a complicated stance regarding past agreements and relationships, reflecting ongoing tensions around the geopolitical narratives that define this conflict.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
