US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting followed discussions between US and Ukrainian delegates a day earlier.
Trump Pushes for a Quick End to the War
US President Donald Trump wants a swift resolution to the three-year war. He hopes the talks in Riyadh will lead to a major breakthrough. While both sides have suggested different ceasefire plans, cross-border attacks continue.
Initially, officials planned to hold the talks simultaneously, allowing the US to mediate. However, they later decided to conduct them one after another.
Ukraine and US Focus on Energy and Peace
On Sunday night, Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, met with US officials.
“The discussion was productive and focused – we addressed key points including energy,” Umerov posted on social media. He emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism.
“I think you’re going to see real progress in Saudi Arabia, especially regarding a Black Sea ceasefire on ships. From there, a full ceasefire will naturally follow,” he told Fox News.
Russia Downplays Chances of a Quick Resolution
Despite the optimism, the Kremlin remains cautious.
“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV on Sunday.
He stressed that many challenges remain in implementing a ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a joint US-Ukraine proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Instead, he offered to halt attacks only on energy facilities.
“There are difficult negotiations ahead,” Peskov warned.
Black Sea Grain Deal Takes Center Stage
Russia’s main priority in the talks is reviving the 2022 Black Sea grain deal. This agreement, brokered by Turkey and the UN, ensured safe passage for Ukrainian farm exports.
“On Monday, we intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative. Our negotiators will address the details,” Peskov stated.
Moscow withdrew from the deal in 2023. It accused the West of failing to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports, which was part of the agreement.
Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official told AFP that Kyiv would push for a broader ceasefire. This would include stopping attacks on energy infrastructure and naval strikes.
New Drone Attacks Escalate Tensions
Both sides launched fresh drone attacks ahead of the talks.
On Saturday night, a Russian drone strike killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
AFP reporters in Kyiv saw emergency workers treating the injured outside damaged residential buildings. Deadly strikes in the capital are less common than in other areas of Ukraine.
Zelensky Calls for More Pressure on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged allies to increase pressure on Moscow.
“New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” he posted on social media.
Russia Strengthens Ties with US Under Trump
Moscow enters the Saudi talks with renewed confidence, thanks to improved relations with Washington under Trump.
Peskov stressed the importance of cooperation.
“The potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries cannot be overstated,” he said.
While acknowledging differences, he added, “That does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefits.”
