Cautious Optimism as U.S.-Russia-Ukraine Talks in Riyadh Yield Mixed Results
Kremlin softens anticipation following extensive ten-hour talks
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Representatives from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine gathered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a marathon 10-hour discussion over potential measures to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite the lengthy negotiations, opinions on the likelihood of reaching an agreement remain tentative.
Ukraine's allies had reason to be cautiously optimistic throughout the day, as Russian Undersecretary Georgi Karassin, a Federation Council politician, described the talks as both creative and productive, albeit with a dose of restrained optimism. "Not every negotiation needs to result in extensive documents and agreements," Karassin told the Interfax news agency. "It's essential to maintain regular communication and comprehend the opposing side's perspectives, which is exactly what's happening."
Russian-Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, however, poured cold water on speculations of a written agreement, telling the state-run Tass news agency, "No records are expected." Sergej Besseda, an intelligence officer and close confidant of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin, joined the Russian delegation at the Riyadh talks as the second representative.
On the American front, President Donald Trump's security advisor, Mike Waltz, and Ukraine special envoy Keith Kellogg spearheaded the U.S. negotiating teams in Saudi Arabia. The pair had previously engaged in preliminary discussions with the Ukrainian delegation. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umjerow expressed initial positive sentiments about these talks.
The ultimate objective of this round of shuttle diplomacy is to move the contentious neighboring countries closer to an agreement, ultimately bringing an end to the war in Ukraine, Kellogg explained before the discussions. While Ukraine has agreed to a Trump-proposed initially 30-day truce, Putin's demands for preconditions could have dominated the early conversations in Riyadh. Possible points of contention may have included refraining from attacks on energy targets, ensuring maritime safety in the Black Sea, and even negotiating safe navigation and ceasefire agreements for commercial vessels in the region.
The negotiations in Riyadh aren't the first step in resolving the conflict. Earlier this month, there was agreement on preventing attacks on energy facilities in both the U.S. and Russia. However, details of implementation and guarantees for any agreement remain under discussion. The U.S. aims to pursue lasting peace by supporting negotiations between both parties. Talks are set to continue, with potential involvement from the United Nations and other nations. Ukrainian officials will be briefed on the negotiations' progress.
Military actions between Russia and Ukraine persist, despite the talks in Saudi Arabia.
[1] ntv.de (2022) Donald Trump will call for ceasefire in Ukraine: Security advisor Waltz
[2] nbcnews.com (2022) U.S. Negotiates with Russia and Ukraine in New Efforts to End Ukraine Conflict
Keywords:
- Russia
- Attack on Ukraine
- Saudi Arabia
- Ceasefire
Enrichment Insights:
- The U.S., Russia, and Ukraine agreed on ensuring safe navigation, preventing the use of force, and avoiding military usage of commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
- Russia seeks definitive guarantees for any agreement, possibly requiring a directive from Washington to Kyiv to facilitate compliance.
- An energy infrastructure agreement between the U.S. and Russia, outlawing strikes against the other party's energy facilities, has already been established. However, details and implementation mechanisms remain under discussion.
- Talks are ongoing, with a potential UN and other nations' involvement. Ukrainian officials are expected to be briefed on the discussions' progress.
- The employment policies of the three nations involved in the talks - the United States, Russia, and Ukraine - might benefit from a community policy that fosters ongoing collaboration and mutual understanding, particularly in sensitive political situations like the discussed ceasefire in Ukraine.
- The U.S.-Russia-Ukraine talks in Riyadh have led to agreements on preventing attacks on energy targets, ensuring maritime safety in the Black Sea, and negotiating safe navigation and ceasefire agreements for commercial vessels, according to Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umjerow.
- During the marathon 10-hour discussion over potential measures to end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the preconditions for a ceasefire were a significant point of contention, with Donald Trump proposing a 30-day truce and Putin seeking guarantees from Washington to Kyiv for compliance in the negotiated agreements.
