Moscow is expressing cautious optimism as it prepares for negotiations scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia on Monday, with the aim of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years. Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin spoke to state media, indicating a hope for “some progress” despite the tension and violence that continues ahead of the discussions.
In a move that has been met with skepticism, Russia has rejected a joint proposal from the United States and Ukraine for a full and unconditional 30-day ceasefire. Instead, Moscow suggests a more limited approach, proposing to halt aerial strikes specifically targeting energy infrastructure. However, both sides have maintained aggressive military actions in the run-up to the talks, with reports of intensified aerial attacks.
Recent violence has escalated, with a Russian strike hitting the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Friday night that tragically killed a family of three, including a young child, provoking outrage from Ukrainian officials. Further complicating the situation, Russia launched drone attacks that struck residential buildings in Kyiv, resulting in at least two fatalities and multiple injuries, as confirmed by Ukraine’s emergency services.
Kyiv’s mayor, Vitali Klitschko, reported that a “massive attack by enemy UAVs” caused injuries to seven individuals due to debris falling in various districts of the city. As the conflict intensifies, US negotiators are slated to hold separate yet simultaneous meetings with delegates from both Ukraine and Russia in Saudi Arabia, a diplomatic effort described by US envoy Keith Kellogg as “shuttle diplomacy.”
Despite abundant diplomatic attempts, progress remains elusive. Karasin indicated that he and fellow negotiator Sergey Beseda, a senior advisor associated with Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB), aim to approach the negotiations “combatively and constructively.” Nonetheless, both negotiators operate outside of traditional diplomatic environments, raising questions about the sincerity of Russia’s quest for peace.
While Ukraine is also sending its defense minister to the negotiations, officials are hoping to establish a partial ceasefire, particularly focused on limiting attacks on energy infrastructure, civil targets, and maritime activity. Ukrainian authorities continue to express skepticism about Russia’s intentions, emphasizing ongoing hostilities despite Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claims of halting strikes on energy facilities.
In a contrasting narrative, a US official who recently met with Putin, White House envoy Steve Witkoff, characterized the Russian leader as a responsible figure seeking to de-escalate the situation, stating, “I don’t regard Putin as a bad guy.” This sentiment might stand in stark contrast to the ground realities unfolding in Ukraine.
The situation remains dire, with the Ukrainian air force reporting Russia utilized 179 drones in its latest extensive attack. The devastation includes the loss of an entire family in Zaporizhzhia, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing conflict. On the other hand, Ukraine has retaliated with drone strikes against Russian targets, resulting in injuries within Russia as the cycle of violence perpetuates.
In his efforts to support the troops, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited soldiers defending the eastern city of Pokrovsk, which is under sustained pressure from Russian forces aiming to encircle and capture the area. As both sides gear up for negotiations, the larger hope remains that dialogue will result in a meaningful reduction of hostilities and a pathway toward peace.
