Russian and US Officials to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia
Delegates from Russia and the United States are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions regarding a potential partial cessation of hostilities in the Ukraine conflict. This meeting follows separate talks between representatives from Washington and Kyiv the previous day.
Trump Administration Seeks Swift Resolution
Former US President Donald Trump is advocating for an expedited conclusion to the protracted three-year war and hopes these discussions in Riyadh could pave the way for a significant advancement.
Ceasefire Proposals and Ongoing Hostilities
Both parties have presented differing proposals for temporary truces. However, despite these diplomatic efforts, cross-border aggression has persisted without diminishing.
Initially conceived as simultaneous talks to facilitate shuttle diplomacy, with US envoys mediating between the delegations, the meetings are now structured sequentially.
US and Ukraine Conclude Productive Discussions
The meeting involving the Ukrainian delegation, headed by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and US officials concluded late Sunday evening.
Umerov conveyed on social media that “the discussion was productive and focused,” noting that “key points including energy” were addressed. He further stated Ukraine’s commitment to realizing a “just and lasting peace.”
Optimism for Black Sea Ceasefire
Steve Witkoff, a Trump representative, expressed optimism that any forthcoming agreement could establish a foundation for a broader cessation of fighting.
“I anticipate seeing tangible progress in Saudi Arabia on Monday, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire for naval vessels between both nations. This could naturally lead to a comprehensive ceasefire encompassing all combat operations,” he stated to Fox News.
Kremlin Tempered Expectations
Conversely, the Kremlin on Sunday cautioned against anticipating an immediate resolution.
US and Russian delegations in a bilateral meeting at Diriyah Palace on February 18
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Head of the Presidential Office of Ukraine Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, and Minister of Defense of Ukraine Rustem Umerov during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, March 11, 2025
“We are merely at the initial phase of this process,” stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Russian state television.
He indicated numerous unresolved issues persist regarding the practical implementation of a potential ceasefire.
Putin Rejects Comprehensive Pause, Proposes Energy-Focused Halt
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declined a joint US-Ukrainian appeal for a complete and immediate 30-day cessation of hostilities. Instead, he has proposed a more limited halt to attacks, specifically targeting energy infrastructure.
“Difficult negotiations lie ahead,” Peskov acknowledged in the televised interview.
Black Sea Grain Deal Revival on Agenda
Peskov emphasized that the “primary” focus of discussions with the United States would be the possibility of reinstating the 2022 Black Sea grain initiative. This agreement previously ensured secure passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports via the Black Sea.
“On Monday, our main intention is to deliberate President Putin’s consent to resume the Black Sea initiative. Our negotiators are prepared to discuss the intricacies surrounding this issue,” Peskov elaborated.
Moscow withdrew from the accord—mediated by Turkey and the United Nations—in 2023, alleging that Western nations had not fulfilled commitments to ease sanctions impacting Russia’s agricultural and fertilizer exports.
Ukraine Seeks Broader Ceasefire
According to prior statements from a senior Ukrainian official to AFP, Kyiv intends to propose a more extensive ceasefire, encompassing attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure, and naval assaults.
Escalating Attacks Precede Talks
Both belligerents launched new drone strikes leading up to the commencement of negotiations.
Russian Army 2S5 howitzer Giatsint-S firing towards Ukrainian positions, as seen in a video released by the Russian Defense Ministry Press Service, March 24, 2025
Rescuers at the scene of a Russian Shahed drone strike on a residential high-rise in Kyiv, Ukraine, March 23, 2025
Kyiv Drone Attack Casualties
Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone assault overnight on Saturday resulted in the deaths of three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
AFP journalists in the capital observed emergency responders attending to injured individuals early Sunday in front of damaged residential buildings affected by the strike.
Fatal attacks within the heavily defended capital are less frequent compared to other regions of the country.
Zelensky Urges Increased Pressure on Moscow
Ukrainian President Zelensky appealed to allied nations to intensify pressure on Russia.
“New decisions and enhanced pressure on Moscow are imperative to bring an end to these attacks and this conflict,” he conveyed via social media on Sunday.
Improved US-Russia Relations Under Trump
Moscow enters the Saudi discussions following a rapprochement with Washington under the Trump administration, which has bolstered confidence within the Kremlin.
Peskov stated on Sunday that “the potential for mutually advantageous cooperation across diverse sectors between our nations is considerable.”
“While disagreements may exist on certain matters, it should not preclude us from pursuing mutual benefits,” he concluded.