US and Russian officials commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia on Monday regarding a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, following separate talks between Washington and Kyiv a day earlier.
US President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift resolution to the three-year conflict, expressing hope that negotiations in Riyadh will lead to a breakthrough. Both sides have put forward different ceasefire proposals, but cross-border attacks have continued unabated.
Originally planned as simultaneous discussions to facilitate shuttle diplomacy—allowing US negotiators to move between delegations—the meetings are now being held sequentially. According to Russia’s TASS news agency, US-Russian talks began around 07:30 GMT.
On Sunday night, the Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded its meeting with American officials.
“The discussions were productive and focused—we addressed key points, including energy,” Umerov shared on social media, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, voiced optimism that any agreement could pave the way for a comprehensive ceasefire.
“I think Monday’s discussions in Saudi Arabia will yield real progress, particularly on a Black Sea ceasefire covering naval activity between both countries. From there, we can naturally move toward a full-scale cessation of hostilities,” Witkoff told Fox News.
However, the Kremlin tempered expectations, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioning that the process was still in its early stages.
“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Peskov told Russian state TV, noting that many details regarding the implementation of a ceasefire remain unresolved.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead offering to halt attacks solely on energy infrastructure.
“There are difficult negotiations ahead,” Peskov acknowledged in an interview shared on social media.
A major focus of Russia’s talks with the United States will be the potential revival of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which previously allowed safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
“On Monday, our primary objective is to discuss President Putin’s willingness to reinstate the so-called Black Sea Initiative, and our negotiators are prepared to address the details surrounding this issue,” Peskov stated.
Moscow withdrew from the UN- and Turkey-brokered agreement in 2023, accusing the West of failing to honor commitments to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural and fertilizer exports.
A senior Ukrainian official previously told AFP that Kyiv would advocate for a broader ceasefire, encompassing attacks on energy infrastructure, key facilities, and naval operations.
Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities have persisted. On the eve of the talks, both sides launched fresh drone strikes. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone attack overnight Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
AFP reporters in the capital witnessed emergency workers treating the wounded in front of damaged residential buildings early Sunday. Though Kyiv is better protected than other areas, deadly strikes remain a constant threat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on allies to intensify pressure on Moscow.
“New decisions and stronger pressure on Russia are needed to stop these strikes and end this war,” Zelensky posted on social media Sunday.
Meanwhile, Moscow approaches the Saudi negotiations bolstered by a recent diplomatic thaw with Washington under Trump.
“The potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries cannot be overstated,” Peskov said Sunday.
“While we may have disagreements, that should not prevent us from pursuing shared interests,” he added.