Russia is hopeful for progress in Saudi Arabia peace talks while rejecting a full ceasefire proposal from the U.S. and Ukraine, instead proposing a halt to energy facility strikes. Continuing tensions are evident as both sides engage in aerial attacks; a recent strike in Zaporizhzhia escalated outrage among Ukrainian officials. U.S. negotiators will engage in separate discussions in what is dubbed “shuttle diplomacy.”
Moscow is expressing optimism regarding the upcoming peace discussions in Saudi Arabia, scheduled for Monday. A Russian negotiator indicated this sentiment to state media as the United States prepares to facilitate talks with Ukraine and Russia in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years.
In a notable development, Moscow has dismissed a proposed full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire put forth by the United States and Ukraine. Instead, it has offered to merely suspend aerial strikes targeting energy infrastructure. However, despite this proposition, both parties have continued their aerial assault activities in the lead-up to the negotiations.
The situation escalated with a Russian airstrike on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia, which tragically resulted in the death of a family of three. This incident has caused considerable outrage among Ukrainian officials.
On the diplomatic front, U.S. negotiators are set to engage separately with the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg has characterized this process as “shuttle diplomacy,” referring to the logistical movement between hotel rooms for discussions. Despite these efforts and encouragement from U.S. President Donald Trump, achieving a significant breakthrough has proven challenging thus far.
In summary, Russian negotiators are hopeful for progress in the forthcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia amid tensions from ongoing hostilities. The proposal for a ceasefire remains contentious, as Moscow opts for a limited halt on aerial strikes rather than a full ceasefire. Recent violence, including a tragic airstrike in Zaporizhzhia, underscores the urgency of the negotiations, yet meaningful advancements in dialogue continue to be elusive.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
