Agreement Reached on Energy and Infrastructure Ceasefire Proposal
Differences Remain Over Western Military Support
Some Suggest a Phased Ceasefire Would Be More Effective
The United States and Russia will continue discussions on a ceasefire in the Ukraine war on the 23rd (local time) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With differing positions between Russia and the European side of Ukraine regarding the suspension of Western military support, attention is focused on whether the U.S. and Russia will reach an agreement.
Steve Witkoff, former Middle East envoy for President Trump, mentioned in an interview with Fox News on the 18th that the energy and infrastructure sector ceasefire agreed upon by U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin would lead to ceasefire negotiations "starting on Sunday in Jeddah."
Envoy Witkoff said, "I believe Russia has agreed to both," adding, "I definitely expect Ukraine to agree as well."
He revealed that Secretary of State Mark Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz would attend the negotiations. He did not mention any Russian participants.
Earlier, Presidents Trump and Putin spoke for 90 minutes and reached a principle agreement on a 'partial ceasefire' where Russia and Ukraine would halt mutual attacks on energy and infrastructure facilities for 30 days.
The White House stated that the two leaders agreed on a ceasefire in the energy infrastructure sector and, along with this, decided to immediately begin technical negotiations in the Middle East on implementing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, a full ceasefire, and permanent peace.
After the phone call with President Putin, President Trump expressed confidence, saying, "I think we will eventually make a deal," but some remain skeptical about how faithfully Russia will implement the ceasefire plan. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that "However, overnight, Russia bombed the energy grid in Sloviansk, eastern Ukraine, raising questions about how strictly Putin will adhere to the ceasefire agreed with Trump."
President Zelensky criticized President Putin for not agreeing to an unconditional ceasefire during an interview with reporters, claiming that Russia is preparing new offensives in southern and northern Ukraine. He added, "This is the final ultimatum since the war began. He has not changed," pointing sharply.
Some interpret that just because President Trump did not mediate the final negotiations this week does not mean an agreement will not be reached later. They also believe that slowing down the negotiation process is better to avoid misunderstandings and misjudgments between both sides.
Samuel Charap of the U.S. think tank RAND Corporation predicted, "A phased ceasefire is likely to be a much more effective approach," adding, "It can provide trust as it is a way to verify each phase and understand intentions."
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