U.S.-Russia Peace Talks Commence in Saudi Arabia Amid Ongoing Conflict

U.S. and Russian peace talks to resolve the Ukraine conflict began in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Putin to cease hostilities. U.S. delegation is led by Andrew Peek and focuses on a ceasefire in the Black Sea, while recent violence complicates progress toward peace.

Peace negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine commenced in Saudi Arabia on Monday. This development follows a productive meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a U.S. team, during which President Zelenskyy highlighted the need for President Vladimir Putin to issue a command to cease hostilities. He emphasized, “The one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.”

Leading the U.S. delegation is Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council, alongside Michael Anton from the State Department. The Russian delegation is headed by Grigory Karasin, who is part of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda from the Federal Security Service. The focus of their discussions is anticipated to be a ceasefire in the Black Sea, with future talks potentially addressing ceasefire verification, peacekeeping roles, and territorial ownership.

Conversely, former Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s broader intentions, stating, “I simply have said that I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe.” Witkoff noted the contemporary geopolitical climate differs markedly from that of World War II, emphasizing the influence of NATO. He expressed optimism for tangible progress on the ceasefire in Saudi Arabia, facilitating a transition to a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

However, despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation remains tenuous. A recent Russian drone strike led to casualties in Ukraine, underscoring the challenges in reaching a peace agreement and the ongoing violence that hampers negotiations.

The peace talks between U.S. and Russian delegations signal a critical step toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine. While initial discussions focus on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and constructive dialogues are emerging, immediate military actions, such as drone strikes by Russia, illustrate the complexities of achieving lasting peace. Both sides must navigate these challenges thoughtfully to move towards a comprehensive resolution.

Original Source: www.foxnews.com