Next U.S.-Russia Meeting Scheduled in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire

Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Representative, announced a meeting with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss a potential ceasefire concerning Ukraine’s energy and maritime operations. The American delegation will include key officials, and previous discussions have led to agreements on some ceasefire terms. President Zelensky indicated support for ending strikes on energy infrastructure, contingent upon Russia’s compliance with the agreements.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Steve Witkoff, the U.S. President’s Special Representative for the Middle East, announced the date for the forthcoming meeting with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. Witkoff reported having engaged in two significant discussions with President Vladimir Putin, lasting approximately three and a half and four hours respectively. He highlighted that the dialogues were productive, particularly in narrowing down issues from Russia’s perspective.

Witkoff emphasized their focus on developing concrete steps toward a ceasefire, which includes discussions on a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure. Additionally, he mentioned efforts toward a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, which he indicated have gained Russian agreement. He expressed optimism that the Ukrainian side would also consent to these terms as negotiations are set to advance in Jeddah on Sunday.

The upcoming American delegation to Saudi Arabia will comprise U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, indicating a high-level commitment to these discussions. This follows a phone conversation between President Donald Trump and President Putin aimed at finding solutions to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Moreover, the Trump administration has reported that an agreement for a limited ceasefire concerning energy and infrastructure facilities in Ukraine has been reached with the Russians. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that the country would welcome a cessation of attacks on energy infrastructures but also signaled readiness to respond should Russia breach the agreements reached.

The upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia marks a critical step in ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Key figures, including U.S. National Security Advisor and Secretary of State, will participate, following previous productive discussions. The aim is to solidify a ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure and maritime operations, contingent on mutual agreement, particularly from the Ukrainians. These developments highlight the complexities of diplomacy in regional conflicts.

Original Source: www.ukrinform.net