Ceasefire Negotiations in Saudi Arabia Set to Address Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Ceasefire talks in Jeddah for the Russia-Ukraine conflict are set for Sunday. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff announced expectations of discussions led by Secretary of State Rubio and National Security Advisor Waltz. Ukraine remains skeptical following reports of continued Russian strikes. The U.S. aims for a 30-day ceasefire as a foundation for further peace negotiations.

Ceasefire negotiations regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to proceed this Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Steve Witkoff, a special envoy representing U.S. President Donald Trump, confirmed this information during a Fox News interview. This discussion follows a recent communication between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where it was emphasized that talks would focus on establishing a ceasefire agreement.

The United States delegation participating in these discussions will be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. However, Witkoff did not specify with whom the delegation would engage during the talks. He mentioned that there seems to be an agreement from Russia on pausing strikes related to energy infrastructure and targets within the Black Sea, expressing hope that Ukraine would concur with this arrangement.

On the contrary, Ukraine has alleged that Russia has effectively dismissed the U.S.-backed ceasefire initiative, reporting continued attacks on civilian infrastructure shortly after Russia’s tentative agreement to halt attacks on their energy grid. The U.S. has been advocating for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire as an initial measure toward resolving the ongoing conflict.

During a lengthy phone conversation with Trump, President Putin asserted that any ceasefire agreement would depend upon Ukraine’s allies ceasing all military support to Ukraine. Nonetheless, he purportedly instructed his military to pause operations against Ukrainian energy targets for a period of 30 days. Witkoff reaffirmed that the proposed ceasefire would encompass energy and infrastructure broadly.

Witkoff lauded President Putin for the advances facilitated during their discussions, expressing confidence that consensus on energy and infrastructure could lead to a relatively swift agreement on a full ceasefire. The situation remains fluid as discussions progress this weekend in Saudi Arabia, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of the conflict.

In summary, ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to take place in Jeddah, led by U.S. officials. While Russian and U.S. positions seem aligned on certain aspects, Ukraine’s concerns regarding continued strikes suggest a complicated negotiation landscape. The outcomes of these talks could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and may pave the way for a more comprehensive settlement.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com