US-Led Negotiations in Riyadh Aim to De-escalate Ukraine Conflict
US officials are engaged in discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, meeting with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives separately.
The objective for Washington is to secure an immediate, limited cessation of hostilities in the Ukraine conflict, paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war.
Can Riyadh Talks Yield a Breakthrough?
Can these Riyadh discussions yield the hoped-for resolution? Perspectives vary among key stakeholders regarding the potential for progress in these Ukraine peace talks.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s envoy, expressed optimism, stating, “I believe [Putin] desires peace… I anticipate tangible advancements in Saudi Arabia on Monday.”
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov tempered enthusiasm, telling Russian state media, “We are merely at the outset of this process.” This indicates a cautious approach from Moscow and highlights the complexities of achieving a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Recent Escalation and Divergent Views on Conflict Resolution
Kyiv endured a severe Russian drone assault on Saturday night, resulting in fatalities, including a young child. This recent escalation underscores the urgency of the negotiations amidst continued violence in the region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged action in his Sunday address, saying, “We must compel Putin to issue a genuine order to halt the strikes… The instigator of this conflict must end it.” Zelensky’s statement reflects Kyiv’s firm stance and demand for concrete steps towards de-escalation.
The Kremlin appears unhurried to commit to a truce, with President Vladimir Putin citing numerous preconditions before consenting to the 30-day ceasefire proposed by Washington and accepted by Kyiv. These preconditions remain a significant hurdle in the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
US-Ukraine negotiations in Riyadh commenced Sunday evening, held privately in a Saudi Arabian luxury venue. The Ukrainian delegation is led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
Umerov described the discussions as “technical,” centering on the protection of energy assets and crucial infrastructure. Safeguarding critical infrastructure is a key aspect of ensuring stability and civilian safety during the conflict.
Key Discussion Points: Grain Exports and Infrastructure Security
The Black Sea shipping corridors are also being discussed, with Russia purportedly interested in renewing an agreement facilitating Ukrainian grain exports in exchange for sanctions easing. The grain deal and its potential revival are crucial for global food security.
Both Russia and Ukraine have inflicted substantial damage on each other’s infrastructure.
Moscow has targeted Ukraine’s power generation to deprive the populace of essential services, while Kyiv’s drone strikes have increasingly and effectively targeted Russian oil facilities vital to its military operations. These reciprocal attacks highlight the destructive nature of the conflict.
President Trump advocates for a swift resolution to the conflict, identified as Europe’s most devastating since World War II, and responsible for hundreds of thousands of casualties across both sides.
US-Ukraine Relations and Conflicting Narratives
Ukrainian leaders, still sensitive after a contentious Oval Office disagreement last month, are striving to demonstrate to Washington that they are not impeding peace efforts.
During discussions in Jeddah earlier this month, when the US proposed a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire encompassing land, sea, and air, Ukraine promptly accepted the conditions.
Then-US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated, “The onus is now on Russia.” This statement placed the responsibility for progressing towards a ceasefire squarely on Moscow.
However, despite Moscow’s lack of agreement to the ceasefire, the Trump administration has not publicly pressured Russia to comply—arguably quite the reverse.
In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, a journalist known to favor Trump, Steve Witkoff, leading the US ceasefire initiative, seemingly adopted a position sharply contrasting with European perspectives.
Witkoff characterized Ukraine as “a fabricated nation,” asserting Russia had been provoked and that Putin was trustworthy. These remarks have stirred controversy and highlight differing viewpoints on the conflict’s origins and resolution.
Witkoff, a former real estate executive and Trump’s golf companion, also downplayed UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s initiatives to assemble a military coalition to bolster a potential peace agreement in Ukraine, dismissing it as “theatre and affectation.” This dismissal reflects skepticism towards external military involvement in securing peace.