A U.S. delegation will engage in talks with Russia aiming for a ceasefire in the Black Sea and to halt violence in Ukraine. Led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, discussions follow meetings with Ukraine. Trump’s recent initiatives signal a shift in U.S. policy amidst ongoing military tensions and casualties from the war.
A U.S. delegation is set to engage in discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea and halting violence in the ongoing war in Ukraine. These talks will take place following diplomatic engagements with Ukrainian representatives. The timeframe marks U.S. President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to bring an end to Russia’s prolonged aggression in Ukraine, having recently conversed with both President Volodymyr Zelensky and President Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. delegation is led by Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council and Michael Anton from the State Department. Their preliminary discussions with Ukrainian officials occurred on Sunday night before planned meetings with Russian officials on Monday. The White House intends to solidify a maritime ceasefire to facilitate the unhindered movement of shipping within the Black Sea.
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated that the goal extends beyond a maritime agreement, encompassing discussions about “the line of control” between Ukraine and Russia. This will include verification methods, peacekeeping efforts, and the establishment of confidence-building measures such as the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
The Russian side will be represented by Grigory Karasin, chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda from the Federal Security Service. Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, in charge of the Ukrainian delegation, mentioned proposals to safeguard energy facilities and critical infrastructure during the U.S.-Ukraine discussions.
Following military gains by Russian forces, Trump altered U.S. policy by initiating bilateral talks with Russia and halting military support for Ukraine, contingent upon Ukraine taking steps towards peace. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, having met with Putin, expressed confidence that Putin did not seek to expand his influence across Europe.
Trump has vowed to conclude the ongoing conflict, yet his overtures towards Putin have raised concerns among European allies about a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy. The conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and mass displacements, leaving many towns devastated.
Despite a preliminary agreement proposed by Trump concerning a temporary ceasefire on energy infrastructure, it lacked the broader truce that the U.S. desired. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi emphasized the need for clarity around ceasefire modalities.
Putin’s recent acceptance of a temporary halt on attacks concerning energy facilities complements ongoing dialogues. Reports indicate that the U.S. aims to establish a broad ceasefire agreement by April 20. Nevertheless, the situation remains fluid with ongoing strikes reported by both parties, alongside continued Russian advancements in Eastern Ukraine, enhancing regional tensions.
The U.S. delegation’s pursuit of a ceasefire in the Black Sea highlights a significant diplomatic effort to curb the ongoing violence in Ukraine. The discussions are aimed not only at maritime safety but also at establishing a comprehensive resolution framework involving verification measures and confidence-building initiatives. Despite these efforts, the complexities of the war remain evident with continued military actions from both sides, underscoring the challenges of achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.theglobeandmail.com
