Russian Negotiator Remains Hopeful for Progress at Upcoming Talks in Saudi Arabia
Russia seeks to gain traction at upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia as U.S. officials plan to hold separate discussions with Ukrainian and Russian representatives regarding a ceasefire. Senator Grigory Karasin expressed a hope for some progress, while opposing a full ceasefire plan and appointing negotiators that drew scrutiny.
Moscow anticipates making some headway in forthcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia, according to a Russian negotiator who spoke to state media over the weekend. These discussions come as U.S. officials prepare to engage separately with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives to explore a potential ceasefire. Russia has disagreed with a U.S.-Ukraine approach advocating for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing only a temporary cessation of aerial assaults on energy targets.
Senator Grigory Karasin indicated his aspirations for “some progress” during the talks, as reported by Zvezda TV, a channel affiliated with Russia’s Defense Ministry. He, alongside FSB advisor Sergey Beseda, will represent the Russian delegation. Notably, the selection of Karasin and Beseda has raised eyebrows, given their lack of affiliation with conventional diplomatic structures, such as the Kremlin or the Foreign and Defense Ministries.
Karasin, who once served as a diplomat and is currently a member of Russia’s upper house of parliament, expressed a dual sentiment of being both “combative and constructive.” Beseda is a seasoned member of the FSB, and his past involvement during the 2014 pro-EU protests in Kyiv has been acknowledged by the FSB itself. At the conclusion of his remarks, Karasin emphasized that the delegation’s goal is the resolution of at least one substantial issue during their discussions.
The Russian delegation is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on Sunday and will return on Tuesday, emphasizing the urgency and importance of the upcoming dialogues concerning the ongoing conflict.
In summary, the upcoming negotiations in Saudi Arabia reflect Russia’s aim to achieve meaningful outcomes amid ongoing tensions. With a diverging stance on ceasefire proposals, alongside the appointment of unconventional negotiators like Senator Karasin and FSB advisor Beseda, these discussions may mark a pivotal moment in the trajectory of the conflict. The international community will be watching these talks closely, hoping for a glimpse of progress amid the impasse.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
