U.S. and Russian officials began negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Monday, aiming for a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, as Washington and Kyiv held separate discussions a day earlier.
The talks come amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a rapid resolution to the three-year war. While both sides have floated proposals for temporary ceasefires, hostilities have continued unabated, with cross-border attacks intensifying.
Originally scheduled for simultaneous shuttle diplomacy, the negotiations are now being held sequentially, with U.S. officials meeting separately with Ukrainian and Russian delegations.
Russia’s TASS news agency reported that the U.S.-Russia talks began at 07:30 GMT on Monday.
Kyiv-Washington Talks Conclude Ahead of US-Russia Meeting
Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, wrapped up its talks with U.S. officials late Sunday night.
“The discussion was productive and focused—we addressed key points, including energy,” Umerov said on social media, reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to a “just and lasting peace.”
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism that progress in Riyadh could lead to a broader ceasefire agreement.
“I think you’re going to see some real progress on Monday, particularly on a Black Sea ceasefire for shipping,” Witkoff told Fox News. “From that, we’ll naturally gravitate to a full-scale ceasefire.”
Russia Skeptical of Full Ceasefire, Focuses on Black Sea Deal
The Kremlin remains cautious, warning of “difficult negotiations ahead”, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint U.S.-Ukrainian call for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a halt on attacks only targeting energy infrastructure.
Peskov indicated that the main focus of Russia’s talks with the U.S. would be reviving the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which allowed safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
“On Monday, we intend to discuss President Putin’s proposal to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative,” Peskov said, referencing the Turkey- and UN-brokered agreement that Russia withdrew from in 2023. Moscow blamed the West for failing to uphold commitments to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports and fertilizers.
Ukraine, meanwhile, has proposed a broader ceasefire covering energy facilities, infrastructure, and naval strikes, according to a senior Ukrainian official.
Fresh Attacks Ahead of Talks
Despite ongoing negotiations, both sides launched fresh drone strikes on the eve of the Riyadh discussions.
Deadly Attack on Kyiv
A Russian drone strike overnight on Saturday killed three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father, Ukrainian officials said.
AFP reporters witnessed emergency crews responding to damaged residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital, where large-scale attacks remain less frequent than in frontline regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for stronger international action against Russia.
“New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to stop these strikes and this war,” Zelensky posted on social media Sunday.
Moscow Sees Opening for US-Russia Cooperation Under Trump
As talks commence, Moscow is buoyed by recent diplomatic overtures from Washington under Trump’s leadership.
Peskov on Sunday emphasized the “enormous potential for mutually beneficial cooperation” between the U.S. and Russia.
“We may disagree on some things, but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit,” Peskov stated, signaling cautious optimism for diplomatic progress.
With Trump’s administration seeking a swift resolution, the outcome of the Saudi talks could prove pivotal in shaping the next phase of the Ukraine conflict.
