Negotiations for Ceasefire in Ukraine Begin Amid Ongoing Violence
Negotiations between Russian and US delegations commenced on Monday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish a possible ceasefire in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting is being reported by the official Russian news agency TASS, which indicated that the Russian delegation is led by Grigori Karasin, chairman of the Russian Senate's International Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
The talks in Saudi Arabia follow a previous meeting in the same city between representatives from Ukraine and the US, where discussions about a potential 30-day ceasefire took place. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the prior talks as productive, emphasizing that the primary goal of President Volodymyr Zelensky is to achieve a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and its citizens, as well as stability for Europe.
Umerov shared that the Ukrainian delegation had a fruitful conversation with the US team about critical issues, including energy matters. There is a sense of optimism in the US regarding the negotiations, particularly expressed by Steve Witkoff, a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump. Witkoff, who has previously met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, believes that the Russian leader desires peace. He mentioned in an interview that everyone should expect tangible progress from the discussions in Riyadh, particularly regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea that would allow Ukraine to export its grain safely.
Witkoff remarked, "I believe we will see real progress on Monday in Saudi Arabia especially concerning a ceasefire in the Black Sea for the ships of both countries. From there, it will be natural to move toward a total ceasefire." Amid the negotiations, it is noted that Putin recently agreed to suspend attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, yet he has not supported the proposed 30-day truce.
The urgency of these discussions is heightened by the ongoing violence on the ground. Over the past weekend, Russian forces launched an attack on Kiev, resulting in casualties, including the deaths of a father and son. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that they had successfully intercepted 57 Shahed kamikaze drones and other types launched from regions adjacent to Ukraine. The attacks targeted various areas, including Kiev and regions in the north, south, west, and center of Ukraine, causing damage and distress among civilians.
Conversely, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that they shot down 28 Ukrainian drones over southern regions and Crimea, asserting that almost all of the unmanned aerial vehicles were intercepted over areas in Bryansk and Rostov. Both sides are exchanging accusations relating to violations of the energy truce, which Russia declared after discussions with Trump.
As the situation stands, while high-stakes discussions are taking place in Riyadh, the reality on the ground remains grim, filled with continued exchange of fire and loss of lives. The US is urging for a ceasefire to be in place by April 20, a date that aligns with Easter celebrations across both Western and Orthodox churches, symbolizing a hopeful turn towards peace.
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