US and Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia spark cautious hope
Media in Denmark and Sweden describe Tuesday's US talks with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia as a "small step" on the path to peace. Commentators emphasize that everything will now depend on Russia's response to the ceasefire proposals.
Scandinavian media characterize the discussions between the US and Ukraine in Jeddah as a modest advancement toward a peace agreement in the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Dagens Nyheter emphasizes that Russia was not present at the talks, and significant challenges remain before a settlement between Ukraine and Russia can be reached.
The Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet notes that, for the first time since President Donald Trump took office in the US, "the ball is in Russia's court." This may worry the Kremlin, the newspaper assesses.
Media alarm after talks
Meanwhile, the Danish "Berlingske" claims that any potential ceasefire would benefit Vladimir Putin more. "Russia can prolong peace negotiations indefinitely, while preparing for a new attack on Ukraine in the meantime," believes the newspaper's commentator.
During the meeting in Saudi Arabia, the delegations of Ukraine and the US discussed a proposal to implement a temporary, 30-day ceasefire.
In a joint statement released after the meeting, Kyiv signaled its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for an immediate 30-day temporary ceasefire, and the U.S. committed to promptly resuming intelligence sharing and military support for Ukraine.
These talks, although widely seen as progress in Europe, do not yet provide a definitive resolution to the conflict. The key will be how Russia reacts to the proposals. There is no certainty that the Kremlin will engage in negotiations or refrain from using the pause in hostilities to prepare for new, more effective attacks.
