Ceasefire negotiations for the Russia-Ukraine conflict will occur in Jeddah on Sunday, led by US officials. A tentative agreement concerning energy targets has been suggested, although Ukraine reports renewed Russian strikes. A comprehensive 30-day ceasefire is sought by Washington, while Putin links any agreement to a halt in military aid from Ukraine’s allies.
Negotiations for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine are slated to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday. This announcement was made by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, during an interview with Fox News following a phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Witkoff stated that the US delegation in Saudi Arabia will be spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, although he did not specify with whom they would conduct discussions. He highlighted that there is a tentative agreement regarding a ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure and targets in the Black Sea, expressing optimism that Ukraine would also accept these terms.
Despite the anticipated talks, Ukraine has accused Russia of dismissing a US-backed ceasefire proposal, citing renewed strikes on civilian infrastructure shortly after Russia purportedly agreed to cease hostilities on energy targets. Washington is advocating for a full 30-day ceasefire, which they see as a preliminary step toward a more comprehensive resolution of the protracted conflict.
In a communication lasting 90 minutes, President Putin expressed that any ceasefire agreement would require Ukraine’s allies to cease all military support. The Kremlin conveyed that Putin had commanded the military to halt strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for a period of 30 days, although Witkoff emphasized that the proposed ceasefire encompasses all energy and infrastructure in general. Furthermore, he praised President Putin for his efforts towards achieving a comprehensive peace agreement, asserting that consensus on essential issues suggests a ceasefire may be attainable in the near future.
In summary, the upcoming ceasefire discussions in Jeddah represent a significant diplomatic effort in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. While both parties have expressed a willingness to negotiate, recent actions and statements underscore the complexities involved. Continued dialogue on critical issues, such as military aid and energy infrastructure, will be vital to achieving a lasting peace agreement.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
