Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Officials from the United States and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. This meeting follows discussions between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives a day earlier, as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring an end to the three-year conflict.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a strong desire for a swift resolution to the war, hoping that the talks in Riyadh will lead to meaningful progress. However, while both sides have put forward different proposals for temporary ceasefires, hostilities and cross-border attacks continue.
Originally intended to facilitate shuttle diplomacy between the two delegations, the talks are now taking place sequentially. According to reports, the U.S.-Russia discussions commenced around 07:30 GMT.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led Kyiv’s delegation in the prior talks with American officials, described the discussions as “productive and focused.” He emphasized that key issues such as energy security were addressed, reiterating Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, voiced optimism about the potential outcomes of the negotiations. “I think you’re going to see some real progress, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. From there, we may naturally move toward a full ceasefire,” he stated.
Challenges and Kremlin’s Stance
Despite growing optimism in some quarters, the Kremlin has tempered expectations. Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “We are only at the beginning of this path,” highlighting numerous unresolved issues concerning the implementation of any ceasefire agreement.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a joint U.S.-Ukrainian call for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a halt in attacks solely on energy infrastructure. “Difficult negotiations lie ahead,” Peskov admitted, stressing that the primary focus of Russia’s discussions with the U.S. will revolve around a possible revival of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal.
Moscow withdrew from the agreement in 2023, citing unmet Western commitments to easing sanctions on Russia’s agricultural exports. With talks now underway, Russian negotiators have signaled their willingness to discuss details surrounding the potential resumption of the deal.
Continued Violence Amid Diplomacy
Even as peace talks progress, both sides have continued launching drone attacks. On Saturday night, a Russian drone strike on Kyiv claimed the lives of three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father, according to Ukrainian officials. Emergency responders were seen tending to the injured outside damaged residential buildings in the capital.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged international allies to ramp up pressure on Russia. “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” he declared on social media.
A New Phase in U.S.-Russia Relations?
The Saudi talks come at a time of evolving U.S.-Russia relations, with recent diplomatic overtures under President Trump raising confidence in the Kremlin. Peskov acknowledged the potential for “mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two nations, despite ongoing disagreements.
As negotiations continue in Riyadh, the world watches closely, hopeful that these talks may serve as a critical step toward ending the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
