After energy and naval truce, US wants ceasefire on frontline - National Security Advisor
Photo: US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz (Getty Images)
The United States plans a truce in strikes on infrastructure and in the Black Sea, and then wants a ceasefire along the entire front line in Ukraine, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says in an interview with Fox News.
"It's not going to be easy, and President Trump is well aware of how complicated this situation is and how much both sides have entrenched their positions. But he also recognizes their interests, and continuing the war is not in anyone's best interest," Waltz said.
Therefore, the first step should be to stop attacks on the energy sector by Ukraine and Russia.
"Both sides must stop launching drones and missiles at... I don't know, nuclear power plants, oil pipelines, and power grids. After all, one day all this will have to be rebuilt," the National Security Advisor emphasized.
According to Waltz, the next step may be the exchange of prisoners as a gesture of goodwill.
"The next step will be maritime security. Both countries have access to the Black Sea, and they need to trade oil, gas, and grain to feed their people and others," the official added.
And only after that, according to the US, the most difficult issue should be resolved - a ceasefire at the front.
"And then - the most difficult issue: the so-called 'line of control'. This is a trench warfare that stretches for almost 800 miles (over 1,280 km - ed.)," Waltz emphasized.
Ceasefire
On March 11, the delegations of the United States and Ukraine met in Saudi Arabia.
As a result of the meeting, Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire for 30 days with the possibility of an extension, rather than a partial one. Later, however, when US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin spoke about this, the Kremlin leader agreed to only a partial ceasefire. In particular, to exclude strikes on the energy sector and in the Black Sea. However, on the same evening, March 18, Russian drones began attacking Ukraine again.
And today Waltz said that the talks in Saudi Arabia on March 24 will discuss a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
"We now going to talk about a Black Sea maritime ceasefire so that both sides can move grain fuel and start conducting trade again in the Black Sea," Waltz noted.
Read more about who is participating in the talks from the US, Ukraine, and Russia, and how these negotiations will be held in our material on the topic.
