In a significant development, Russian and American officials are gearing up for crucial discussions in Saudi Arabia on a potential partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war.
These talks are taking place just a day after separate meetings between Washington and Kyiv’s delegates.
The situation has prompted U.S. President Donald Trump to push for a swift conclusion to the war, hoping that the talks in Riyadh could unlock a breakthrough in negotiations.
Challenges to a Ceasefire Amid Unabated Cross-Border Attacks
Although both Russia and the U.S. have put forward plans for temporary ceasefires, the conflict continues to rage on.
Cross-border attacks have persisted without pause, highlighting the challenges both sides face in agreeing to a lasting truce.
The originally planned simultaneous talks, designed to allow shuttle diplomacy with the U.S. mediating between both delegations, have now been scheduled consecutively.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their discussions with the American team late Sunday night.
Umerov described the meeting as productive, noting that key points, including energy concerns, were addressed.
He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Optimism from U.S. Envoy, Caution from Russia
Steve Witkoff, a U.S. envoy, expressed optimism that a successful agreement in Saudi Arabia could lead to a more comprehensive ceasefire, particularly regarding the Black Sea, which would allow for safe passage of ships between both countries.
He suggested that such progress could naturally evolve into a full ceasefire.
However, the Kremlin has downplayed expectations of a swift resolution.
Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian government, noted that the current discussions are only in the early stages, with many unresolved questions about how a ceasefire might be implemented.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed the U.S. and Ukrainian request for a full 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a pause limited to attacks on energy facilities.
Black Sea Grain Deal and Potential Resumption
One of the main points of focus in the Russian-American talks is the possibility of reviving the 2022 Black Sea grain deal.
This deal, which ensures the safe passage of Ukrainian farm exports through the Black Sea, was abandoned by Moscow in 2023, citing Western failures to honor commitments to ease sanctions on Russia’s agricultural exports.
Peskov emphasized that Russia’s discussions with the U.S. would primarily center on the resumption of this vital agreement, with both sides exploring potential solutions to the ongoing impasse.
Fresh Attacks and Rising Tensions Ahead of Negotiations
As the talks approach, both sides have launched new drone attacks.
Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone strike on the night before the talks killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
These deadly attacks are rare in Kyiv, which is generally well-protected, but the strike has heightened concerns as the capital remains under threat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on his allies to ramp up pressure on Moscow, urging new decisions and strategies to bring an end to both the ongoing strikes and the broader war.
The conflict shows no signs of abating, but there are hopes that the talks in Saudi Arabia could pave the way for de-escalation.
Looking Ahead to the Talks in Saudi Arabia
As Russia heads into these critical talks, there is a renewed sense of confidence following the growing diplomatic engagement with Washington under President Trump.
Peskov highlighted the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between the U.S. and Russia, even amidst disagreements.
The focus, however, remains on the ongoing war and the difficult path to securing a ceasefire that could finally bring peace to the region.