US and Ukraine Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Ongoing Conflict; Russia Cautions Against High Expectations
US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss strategies for ending Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian delegation member. The Kremlin, however, cautioned that negotiations would be challenging and that the path to peace remains long.
Diplomatic Efforts in Riyadh
US President Donald Trump has been advocating for a swift resolution to the three-year war. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism that the talks in Riyadh could lead to substantial progress, with a potential ceasefire agreement. However, negotiations between the US and Russia were scheduled separately, with Ukrainian sources confirming their meeting with US officials on Sunday night, while Russia’s delegation planned to meet with US representatives on Monday.
Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities persist. A Russian strike on Kyiv killed three civilians, underscoring the continued violence even as both sides proposed differing ceasefire plans.
Ceasefire Proposals and Russian Response
While Ukraine is pushing for a broader ceasefire, including halting attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure, and naval strikes, Russia has rejected an immediate 30-day truce. Instead, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a ceasefire limited to energy infrastructure. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the negotiations were still in their early stages, warning that numerous complexities remain.
Black Sea and Grain Export Discussions
A major point of contention in the negotiations is the Black Sea grain deal, which previously ensured safe passage for Ukrainian farm exports. Russia withdrew from the agreement in 2023, citing unmet commitments to ease sanctions on its own agricultural exports. Peskov indicated that resuming the initiative would be a key focus of discussions with the US.
Continued Drone Attacks and Military Actions
As negotiations approached, both sides intensified drone warfare. Ukraine reported that Russia launched 147 drones in its latest assault, with Kyiv suffering civilian casualties, including a five-year-old girl and her father. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have repelled nearly 60 Ukrainian drone attacks, with casualties reported in the Rostov and Belgorod regions.
On the battlefield, Ukraine achieved a rare success by capturing a small village in the eastern Luhansk region, despite broader challenges in its counteroffensive.
Geopolitical Outlook and US-Russia Relations
The talks in Saudi Arabia come amid a thaw in US-Russia relations under President Trump, which the Kremlin views positively. Peskov emphasized the potential for “mutually beneficial cooperation” between the two nations, acknowledging ongoing disagreements but advocating for pragmatic engagement.
Key Points:
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US and Ukrainian officials met in Riyadh for discussions on ending the war.
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Russia and the US scheduled separate talks on Monday.
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Ukraine seeks a broad ceasefire, while Russia proposes a limited pause on energy infrastructure strikes.
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Russia aims to negotiate the resumption of the Black Sea grain deal.
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Ongoing drone attacks and military strikes continue on both sides.
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Ukraine made territorial gains in Luhansk amid broader struggles.
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Kremlin views improved ties with the US as an opportunity for cooperation.
While diplomatic negotiations in Saudi Arabia signal a step toward de-escalation, significant obstacles remain. Russia’s cautious stance and continued hostilities suggest that a swift resolution is unlikely. However, renewed dialogue and shifting geopolitical dynamics could lay the groundwork for future agreements.
