Russian Delegation Sets Ambitious Goals for Upcoming Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia

Moscow is optimistic about achieving «some advancement» in the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, according to a Russian negotiator who spoke to state media on Saturday. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are preparing to engage separately with representatives from Ukraine and Russia regarding a potential ceasefire.

Russia has dismissed a joint proposal from the U.S. and Ukraine that calls for a comprehensive, unconditional 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing only a suspension of airstrikes on energy facilities.

The U.S. plans to initiate dual talks on Monday with both Ukrainian and Russian delegations in an attempt to overcome the current stalemate.

«We aim to make at least a bit of progress,» Senator Grigory Karasin told Zvezda TV, a channel affiliated with Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Karasin, who will be representing Russia alongside FSB advisor Sergey Beseda, described his mindset as both «assertive and cooperative» in anticipation of the discussions.

The selection of negotiators by Russia has raised eyebrows, as neither Karasin nor Beseda belongs to the usual diplomatic channels like the Kremlin or the Foreign and Defense Ministries.

Karasin, a former diplomat, now holds a position in Russia’s upper chamber of parliament, while Beseda is an experienced member of the FSB security agency.

The FSB had earlier confirmed that Beseda was present in Kyiv during the 2014 pro-European revolution in Ukraine, which saw security forces violently suppress demonstrators.

“We are heading there with the aim of resolving at least one matter,” Karasin shared with Zvezda TV.

He went on to state that the Russian delegation would depart for Saudi Arabia on Sunday and return on Tuesday.