US and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday aimed at securing a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war, just a day after discussions between Washington and Kyiv.
US President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift resolution to the three-year conflict and hopes that the talks in Riyadh will pave the way for a breakthrough. Both sides have presented different proposals for temporary ceasefires, but cross-border attacks continue unabated.
Originally planned to take place concurrently to allow for shuttle diplomacy between the delegations, the talks are now occurring one after the other.
Russia’s TASS news agency confirmed that US-Russian discussions began around 0730 GMT. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their talks with the Americans late Sunday evening.
Umerov described the meeting as “productive and focused,” highlighting key issues including energy. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, suggesting that any agreements reached in Riyadh could pave the way for a “full-on” ceasefire.
“I think you’re going to see real progress in Saudi Arabia on Monday, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire for ships between both countries. From there, we’ll naturally move toward a full ceasefire,” Witkoff told Fox News.
‘Only at the beginning’
However, the Kremlin tempered expectations for a quick resolution.
“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV. He noted there were numerous unresolved questions regarding the potential implementation of a ceasefire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a full and immediate 30-day ceasefire, suggesting instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities.
“There are difficult negotiations ahead,” Peskov remarked in an interview shared on social media.
Peskov indicated that the primary focus of the talks would be the possible resumption of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which ensured safe passage for Ukrainian farm exports via the Black Sea. Russia had exited the agreement in 2023, accusing the West of failing to ease sanctions on Russian farm produce and fertilizers.
“Our negotiators are prepared to discuss the details of resuming the Black Sea initiative,” Peskov said.
A senior Ukrainian official previously told AFP that Kyiv would propose a broader ceasefire encompassing energy facilities, infrastructure, and naval strikes.
Deadly attack on Kyiv
Both sides launched fresh drone attacks ahead of the negotiations.
Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone strike overnight on Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father. AFP reporters witnessed emergency workers treating the wounded early Sunday morning in front of damaged residential buildings hit by the strike.
Such deadly attacks on Kyiv are rare, given the city’s strong defenses.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to exert renewed pressure on Russia.
“New decisions and fresh pressure on Moscow are necessary to end these strikes and bring this war to a close,” he posted on social media on Sunday.
Moscow enters the Saudi talks with a sense of renewed confidence, following improved relations with Washington under Trump’s leadership.
Peskov underscored the potential for “mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two countries, despite disagreements on some issues.
“We may have our differences, but that doesn’t mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefits,” he added.
AFP
