US and Russia Initiate Talks in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine Ceasefire
US and Russian officials initiated discussions in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to seek a ceasefire in Ukraine, focusing on a maritime agreement for the Black Sea. The US delegation is led by White House officials, while skepticism exists regarding Putin’s willingness to compromise. Talks include broader topics like territorial control and the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
On March 24, US and Russian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine, particularly focusing on a maritime agreement for the Black Sea. These talks follow recent dialogues between the US and Ukrainian officials and signify an intensified effort by President Donald Trump to resolve the ongoing three-year conflict after conversations with both President Zelensky of Ukraine and President Putin of Russia.
Leading the US delegation are Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council and Michael Anton from the State Department. The primary goal of these discussions is to facilitate a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, which would enable unhindered shipping operations. Russian representatives include former diplomat Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the Federal Security Service’s director.
Despite these talks, skepticism remains prevalent among European nations and the UK regarding Putin’s willingness to concede. Observers note that his demands appear to have remained unchanged since the initial military invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Trump expressed approval of the ongoing negotiations and noted that the situation surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict was becoming “somewhat under control.”
On March 23, during an interview, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reported that the US, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations were convened at the same venue in Riyadh. Discussions are expected to extend beyond just the Black Sea ceasefire to include the delineation of territorial control and verification measures, as well as confidence-building measures focusing on issues such as returning Ukrainian children relocated by Russia.
Moreover, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, while leading the Ukrainian delegation, shared on Facebook that the US-Ukraine discussions included strategies aimed at safeguarding energy infrastructures and other vital assets. US special envoy Steve Witkoff commented on concerns among NATO allies regarding the possibility of increased aggression from Russia, asserting that he did not perceive Putin’s ambitions as a threat to all of Europe, suggesting a desire for peace instead.
The talks between US and Russian officials represent a significant diplomatic effort to establish a ceasefire in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the Black Sea. While skepticism remains regarding Putin’s willingness to negotiate, the discussions also focus on critical aspects such as territorial control and the security of vital Ukrainian infrastructure. These developments highlight ongoing international efforts to resolve a conflict that has endured for three years.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
