US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Begin in Saudi Arabia

US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday for talks aimed at securing a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war. The discussions come one day after delegates from Washington and Kyiv held their own talks. US President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift resolution to the nearly three-year conflict, hoping the meetings in Riyadh could lead to a breakthrough.

While both sides have proposed different plans for temporary ceasefires, cross-border attacks have continued unabated. Initially planned to take place simultaneously to facilitate shuttle diplomacy, the talks will now occur sequentially.

The meeting between the Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and the Americans concluded late Sunday. Umerov described the talks as "productive and focused," addressing key issues, including energy, and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a "just and lasting peace."

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism that the talks could pave the way for a broader ceasefire. "I think you’re going to see real progress in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire for ships. From that, you’ll naturally move toward a full ceasefire," Witkoff told Fox News.

However, the Kremlin downplayed expectations for a quick resolution. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov cautioned that they were "only at the beginning" of negotiations, emphasizing that numerous questions remain about how any potential ceasefire could be implemented.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a full, immediate 30-day pause, instead suggesting a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure. Peskov said that Moscow's primary focus in the talks would be the potential resumption of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which allowed safe navigation for Ukrainian exports. Moscow had pulled out of the deal in 2023, accusing the West of failing to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports.

A senior Ukrainian official stated that Kyiv would push for a broader ceasefire covering attacks on energy facilities, infrastructure, and naval strikes.

As the negotiations began, both sides launched new drone strikes. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone attack on Kyiv overnight Saturday killed three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father. The strike marked a rare deadly attack on the well-protected capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international allies to increase pressure on Russia to end the war. "New decisions and fresh pressure on Moscow are needed to stop these strikes and end this war," Zelensky posted on social media.

As Russia heads into the talks, the diplomatic rapprochement with the US under Trump has strengthened the Kremlin's confidence. Peskov highlighted the potential for "mutually beneficial cooperation" between the two countries, despite their disagreements. "We may disagree on some issues, but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit," he added.