Resumption of US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Ukraine Conflict
U.S. and Russia will resume talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss a ceasefire regarding the Ukraine conflict, with energy infrastructure attacks on the agenda. Zelenskyy presses for decisive actions against Russian aggression. Concerns arise over misrepresentations regarding territorial claims in Ukraine, highlighted by negotiator Steve Witkoff’s comments.
American and Russian negotiators are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia on Monday, continuing discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Key points of discussion are anticipated to include a proposed cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure, which has garnered support from both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Steve Witkoff, former Middle East envoy during the Trump administration, expressed optimism regarding the negotiations and reiterated the importance of communication to address misconceptions and achieve peace. He stated, “I’m not sure how anyone would expect an end to a conflict when you’re not communicating.”
The meeting follows a prior engagement between American and Ukrainian officials in Riyadh, where Zelenskyy received a briefing on the discussions from Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelenskyy stressed the necessity for Putin to formally cease strikes in Ukraine, emphasizing that the responsibility to halt the conflict rests with Russia. Despite ongoing diplomacy, military actions persist from both sides.
Concerns have arisen regarding Witkoff’s comments, which seemed to align with Russian narratives on territorial claims in Ukraine, including regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. Witkoff’s failure to acknowledge the widespread dismissal of the referenda held in these territories as fraudulent has raised alarm among Ukrainian officials and allies.
Previous U.S. leadership explicitly rejected any claim of sovereignty by Russia over parts of Ukraine. Witkoff also highlighted his view of a personal relationship between Trump and Putin, fostering communication despite the controversial nature of their interactions. He remarked, “This is the kind of connection that we’ve been able to reestablish through a simple word called communication, which many people would say I shouldn’t have had because Putin is a bad guy. I don’t regard Putin as a bad guy.”
The upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia signify a continuation of diplomatic efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and ultimately a peace deal in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both President Zelenskyy and negotiators emphasize the need for effective communication and firm action from Russia to cease hostilities. Nonetheless, concerns about misleading narratives regarding territorial claims remain, highlighting the complex dynamics of the negotiations.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
