Russia and Ukraine to hold US -brokered talks in Riyadh: What do you know

The United States will hold separate talks with Russia and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to settle a limited limited interruption details in what could be a decisive step towards stopping hostilities in the war.

Both Russia and Ukraine agreed to both last week to temporarily stop strikes on energy infrastructure, but how and when this partial truce is implemented are questions that have not been determined yet The attacks also continue.

The talks – which will be held in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, with American actors – are expected to focus on taking these details and safety for shipping in the Black Sea. A Ukrainian official, followed by the Kiev delegation first with US brokers on Sunday, followed by Moscow talks on Monday.

The Ukrainian official, who is speaking on the condition that his identity is not disclosed to discuss a sensitive issue, said that Sunday talks will start in the evening, the time of Kiev. He added that the Ukrainian delegation may take place additional discussions with US officials on Monday, depending on progress.

Steve Whitchov, who was exploited by President Trump to be for him Personal envoy for President Vladimir F. Putin From Russia, he said that the ultimate goal of the talks is to have a full 30 -day ceasefire that would give time to negotiations on a permanent truce.

But the way towards such a truce was fragile. Moscow continues to insist on Maximum positionsIncluding the confirmation of regional control and ensuring that Ukraine never joins NATO. The Ukrainian government has repeatedly said it would not give up the Kremlin’s demands and accused President Vladimir F. Putin is from the parked Russia.

Unlike Previous ceasefire discussionsWhich included senior government officials from all sides, this new tour will focus on technical matters and will often include diplomats and government advisers. Keith Kelog, the US special envoy to Ukraine, said that the American delegation will include some of its employees, along with Michael Anton, director of policy planning at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,; And assistants of the National Security Adviser, Michael Waltz.

Russian delegation

Dmitry S. said. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, on Friday that Mr. Putin personally chose negotiations for conversations. The Russian delegation will lead Gregory B. Karasin, a senior Russian diplomat and legislator; Sir or.

While Mr. Karasin participated in sensitive foreign policy talks before, Mr. Besida’s choice was a surprise to some.

Mr. Besida was influential, and the head of the FSB department was responsible for international intelligence operations. It was It was described by Russian news means As one of the main sources of intelligence that persuaded Mr. Putin in 2022 that there are feelings in support of Russia in Ukraine and that the rapid invasion can easily dismantle the government in Kiev.

In 2023, Kyrylo Budanov, Head of Military Intelligence in Ukraine, He called Mr. Besida “A very problematic person” for Ukraine “has made a lot of evil.”

Ukrainian delegation

President Voludmir Zelinsky said from Ukraine Defense Minister, Rostum OroufHe will attend negotiations in Riyadh. Mr. Umerov will join Pavlu Palisa, Supreme Military Adviser to Mr. Zellinski, according to the Ukrainian official.

Each of Mr. Umerov and MR. Palisa are members of The Ukrainian delegation of peace talks Mr. Zelinski appointed him this month, a group led by the Chief of Staff, Andrei Yermak. Mr. Umerov was a major negotiator for Ukraine in peace talks with Russian diplomats in the first months of the war.

Looking at the technical nature of the talks on energy and shipping, Mr. Zelinski said that Ukraine will also send experts to Saudi Arabia. “There will be military energy specialists, as well as people who are well aware of the port and other civilian infrastructure,” He said on Wednesday.

Mr. Zelinski said that Ukraine will prepare a list of infrastructure things that can be included in the ceasefire agreement. He added that a third party will have to monitor the ceasefire, and suggested that the United States would do so.

While Russia and Ukraine may find a common basis in talks on energy and shipping, both have set conditions for a full endowment on hostilities that cannot be reconciled – a sign of the next sharp challenges in any broader peace negotiations.

Moscow’s position

Last week, during a A phone conversation with President TrumpMr. Putin said that Russia will approve a temporary truce only if Ukraine stops mobilizing soldiers, training forces, or importing weapons throughout the fighting period.

Mr. Putin also called for a complete pause of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kiev, describing it that “the main condition to prevent the escalation of conflict and make progress towards its solution through political and diplomatic means.” According to the Kremlin readings From the call.

The White House said that military aid and intelligence are participating in Ukraine You will continue Despite the demands of the Kremlin. But the Trump administration was less clear about Moscow’s calls for regional concessions and sometimes it seemed in line with the Kremlin position.

Mr. Witkev He repeated the Kremlin discussion point On Friday, in his saying that a “overwhelming majority” of Ukrainians who live in four regions of the country have implicit Russia “indicated that they want to be under Russian rule” during the referendums organized by Moscow. These referendums were He was widely denounced as fraudulent and illegal By the international community.

Basically, Russia’s position remained regarding the conflict as it is. The Kremlin says he wants to “eliminate the radical causes of the crisis” – mainly calling for the naming of Ukraine. This means that Kayef recognizes the regional gains in Russia, announcing neutrality and agreeing to reduce its army, which is likely to leave Ukraine vulnerable to another invasion.

Kyiv’s position

Ukraine had previously agreed to a 30 -day unconditional truce to stop all combat operations, based on the urgency of the Trump administration. But after Moscow said it would only support a partial ceasefire on the energy infrastructure, Mr. Zellinski Talk to Mr. Trump He agreed to the limited truce.

In recent days, Ukrainian officials put red lines in the negotiations: Kiev will never accept Russian sovereignty over the occupied Ukrainian lands, and will not agree to prevent her from joining NATO or to reduce the size of her army, and it must have security guarantees as part of any peace settlement.

Many Ukrainian officials and analysts express doubt that even a limited ceasefire will retain for a long time, noting that the previous pieces between Moscow and Kiev have routinely violated, while blameing each other side.

“I don’t believe in a ceasefire. We have previously passed this,” said Kostantin Yilisif, an experienced diplomat and deputy foreign minister who participated in the ceasefire negotiations in 2014 and 2015.

What next?

Mr. Wittouf said on Wednesday in Interview with Bloomberg News Mr. Trump and Mr. Putin were “likely” to meet in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within weeks. US officials will also continue to meet their Russian and Warrani counterparts in the Middle East to discuss the possible limited truce details.

Analysts said the foundations of the diplomatic operation were volatile, as Moscow and Kiev became ready to continue the fighting.

“Both sides still believe they can continue the war regardless of the American position,” said Dmitry Coznts, a military analyst at the Russian news port, who works from Latvia after being. Banned.

He added: “The visions of Moscow and Kiev are what the agreement may seem to be far from each other.”

Maria Varinkova The reports contributed