By attacking the Kursk region, Kiev disrupted secret negotiations with Moscow in Doha — WP

The offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk region disrupts secret efforts to partially cease fire with Russia. It is reported by The Washington Post with reference to officials.

"Ukraine and Russia should have sent delegations to Doha this month for negotiations on a landmark agreement ending strikes on energy infrastructure on both sides, diplomats and officials familiar with the negotiations said, which would mean a partial cease-fire and would give both countries a reprieve. But, according to officials, the indirect talks, during which the Qataris acted as mediators and met separately with the Ukrainian and Russian delegations, were disrupted due to Ukraine's unexpected invasion of the western part of the Kursk region of Russia last week,"the newspaper writes.

It is noted that a possible agreement and a planned meeting have not been previously reported.

A number of negotiators hoped they could lead to a more comprehensive agreement to end the war, officials said on condition of anonymity. The willingness to participate in these negotiations signaled some shift for both countries, at least with regard to a limited ceasefire.

According to a diplomat with knowledge of the talks, Russian officials postponed a meeting with Qatari officials after Ukraine invaded the Kursk region. The Moscow delegation called it an "escalation," adding that Kiev had not warned Doha about its cross-border offensive.

"Russia did not cancel the talks, they said give us time," the diplomat said. Although Ukraine in any case wanted to send its delegation to Doha, Qatar refused because it does not consider a unilateral meeting beneficial," the article says.

In response to questions from The Washington Post, the office of the President of Ukraine stated that the meeting in Doha has been postponed "due to the situation in the Middle East," but will be held in a videoconference format on August 22, after which Kiev will consult with its partners on the implementation of what was discussed.

According to a diplomat familiar with the negotiations, Kiev and Moscow expressed their readiness to accept the agreement on the eve of the meeting. However, senior Ukrainian officials expressed different opinions about whether the negotiations could succeed. Some, according to two informed sources, estimate the chances at 20%, others expect even worse prospects, even if the assault on the Kursk region did not take place.

"But the planned negotiations and the potential agreement, which is now suspended, raise the stakes in Zelensky's adventure," the newspaper emphasizes.

A diplomat familiar with the negotiations said that Qatar has been discussing with Kiev and Moscow an agreement on a moratorium on strikes on the energy structure of both countries over the past two months. According to him, both sides agreed to meet in Doha, leaving only minor details to be worked out.

"After Kursk, the Russians refused," said another knowledgeable source.

A certain Russian scientist, allegedly having close ties with high-ranking Russian diplomats, made it clear that Vladimir Putin would not be in the mood to make a deal after the Ukrainian Armed Forces' offensive on the Kursk region.

"You know, our Russian leadership usually does not make any compromises under pressure," he said.