US-Russian Talks in Saudi Arabia Aim for Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict
A US delegation is set to negotiate a Black Sea ceasefire with Russia in Saudi Arabia, aiming for broader peace in Ukraine. Significant disparities in expectations persist as US envoy Steve Witkoff expresses optimism while Kremlin officials issue warnings about tough negotiations. Tragically, drone strikes are causing civilian casualties as these talks unfold.
On Monday, a US delegation will engage in discussions with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia aiming for a ceasefire in the Black Sea and a broader cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. This meeting follows previous talks with Ukrainian diplomats, as the White House emphasizes the objective of ensuring free shipping in the Black Sea. Despite these efforts, notable differences persist between US and Russian positions, with US envoy Steve Witkoff expressing optimism about progress, while Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautions that the negotiations will be challenging.
Witkoff remarked on potential advancements in ceasefire negotiations: “I think you’re going to see…some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries,” eventually leading to a more comprehensive shooting ceasefire. Peskov responded by indicating, “We are only at the beginning of this path.”
The US envoy also criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s call for peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine, labeling them “a posture and a pose” based on a naive understanding of history. He further stated, “We have all got to be like Winston Churchill,” highlighting the lack of depth in this approach. Additionally, Witkoff expressed a level of admiration toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting, “I liked him” and recognizing the complexities of the conflict.
Reports from Bloomberg suggest the Trump administration’s goal is to finalize a comprehensive truce between Russia and Ukraine by Easter, specifically aiming for an agreement by April 20. Nonetheless, it appears that timelines may shift. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov characterized discussions with the US delegation as “constructive and meaningful,” focusing on essential sectors like energy.
On a more somber note, at least seven individuals were killed due to over 140 drone strikes across Ukraine on Sunday, with bombardments affecting Kyiv significantly. Explosive sounds persisted for over five hours, and debris from intercepted drones caused civilian casualties, including at least one child. Additionally, reports indicated that Russian troops captured the village of Sribne in the Donetsk region, while Ukrainian forces claimed a rare success by recapturing Nadia in Luhansk, a region largely under Russian control since the invasion.
The ongoing discussions between US diplomats and Russian officials aim to establish a ceasefire in the Black Sea amidst the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. While both parties express a desire for progress, significant differences in expectations exist. The tragic escalation of drone attacks in Ukraine underscores the urgency of these negotiations, revealing the complexity and the human cost of the conflict.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
