- Ukraine views Jeddah peace talks as productive; Russia criticizes the meeting due to non-participation.
- More than 40 nations, including powerhouses like the US, China, and India, took part in discussions aiming for a peaceful resolution.
- Conflict in Ukraine has persisted for over 17 months, deeply affecting the global economic scenario.
Details from the Summit
Representatives from nations such as China, India, and the US convene in Jeddah to work towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
During a meeting held in Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah, Ukraine termed the peace discussions as “productive”. However, Moscow described the talks as a futile attempt to gain Global South’s support for Kyiv.
Key outcomes and remarks include:
- More than 40 countries, barring Russia, were in attendance during the Jeddah talks.
- Kyiv sought widespread international backing for principles it believes should be foundational to peace – chief among them, the retraction of all Russian forces and the return of Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed interest in a subsequent global summit grounded in these principles later in the year.
- Saudi Arabia’s Media Ministry emphasized the consensus on the importance of ongoing dialogue for peace. Plans are afoot to create working committees to tackle specific war-related challenges.
Reactions and Aftermath
“We had very productive consultations on the key principles on which a just and lasting peace should be built.” – Andriy Yermak, Zelenskyy’s head of staff.
Conversely, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov voiced concerns over the meeting’s objectives, citing it as a Western strategy to rally the Global South behind Zelenskyy. Many states have remained neutral despite advocating for the war’s end due to its economic implications. China’s attendance indicates a potential but not significant shift in their stance, following their absence from Copenhagen discussions and disregarding Western appeals to censure Russia’s invasion.
Yermak acknowledged varied viewpoints during the discussions, praising them as “an extremely honest, open conversation”. He emphasized the unified commitment of all attending nations to uphold international law and respect state sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Russia’s Stance
Russia’s Foreign Ministry critiques peace efforts in Saudi Arabia, highlighting Moscow’s absence.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, the discussions in Jeddah lacked “the slightest added value” due to Moscow’s non-involvement. They reiterated Russia’s openness to a diplomatic solution on its terms. Zelenskyy’s adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, dismissed Russian conditions that might allow them a stronger foothold in occupied parts of Ukraine.
On-Field Situations and Incidents
The situation remains tense on the ground. A recent revelation by the Ukrainian Security Service highlighted the detention of an alleged Russian informant. This individual reportedly collected intelligence regarding President Zelenskyy’s southern Mykolaiv region visit. This person intended to pinpoint Zelenskyy’s route and activities for a potential airstrike during his visit.
Simultaneously, Russian forces targeted a nine-story residential building in Kherson, causing casualties. The conflict’s repercussions continue to be felt deeply in the region, with frequent skirmishes and rising tensions.
Conclusion
The Jeddah peace talks showcased the international community’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict. However, the exclusion of Russia and differing perspectives on the path to peace highlight the complexity of the situation.
