After extensive discussions in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the U.S. are working towards a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, three years into the conflict. A joint statement summarizing the negotiations is expected soon. Key topics include a ceasefire in the Black Sea and the grain agreement, which Russia exited last year. Ukraine seeks a temporary halt in strikes on energy infrastructure, while hostilities continue, including recent attacks causing injuries. President Trump is actively involved in these negotiations.
Progress in Ceasefire Negotiations
After an intense twelve hours of closed discussions in Saudi Arabia, representatives from Russia and the United States concluded their talks on Monday, aiming to establish a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. This meeting comes more than three years after the onset of the Russian military offensive.
Both the White House and the Kremlin are set to release a joint statement on Tuesday, summarizing the outcomes of their intricate negotiations, which Russian agencies described as ‘challenging’ from the outset.
American President Donald Trump, whose improved relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin have shifted the dynamics of the conflict, has expressed a desire to bring an end to the hostilities. He has sent his envoys to Riyadh to engage in discussions with both parties.
The Russian and American delegates convened in a palace in Riyadh, following preliminary talks between American officials and Ukrainian representatives. One member of the Ukrainian delegation indicated plans for further discussions with the American team once the results of the US-Russia meeting became clear.
Key Topics of Discussion
According to a source from Ukrainian public media, the delegation is expected to remain on-site for an additional day to continue talks with the American team. In a previous meeting held in March in Jeddah, Ukraine had accepted a proposal from the US for a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia subsequently rejected.
The current discussions are centered around a potential ceasefire in the Black Sea, which would facilitate a return to the grain agreement that allowed Ukraine to export essential grains for global food supply from July 2022 to July 2023, despite the presence of the Russian fleet in the area. Russia had later withdrawn from this agreement, citing the West’s failure to honor commitments intended to alleviate sanctions on Russian exports.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the grain agreement and its implementation are key agenda items. He noted that it was President Trump’s proposal, which President Putin accepted, although there was no mention of a commitment to halt fighting.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the prior evening’s meeting with American officials as ‘productive and focused,’ highlighting key discussions on energy among other crucial points.
The Ukrainian delegation is headed by the Defense Minister, while the Russian side includes Grigori Karasin, a senator and former diplomat, alongside Sergei Besseda, an executive from the FSB. The American delegation is led by Andrew Peek, a senior official from the National Security Council, and Michael Anton from the State Department.
With ongoing negotiations, Washington and Kyiv are advocating for at least a temporary pause in strikes on energy infrastructure, which has suffered significant damage in Ukraine. Ukraine has expressed its readiness for a ‘general’ and unconditional ceasefire, yet President Putin appears to be biding his time until his forces can fully expel Ukrainian troops from the bordering Russian region of Kursk.
Currently, the Kremlin maintains that it has only agreed with Washington on a moratorium regarding bombings of energy facilities. Dmitry Peskov has cautioned that this matter is complex, suggesting that negotiations will be challenging.
Despite the urgent push for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hostilities persist. Recent strikes in the Kyiv region, as well as Kharkiv and Zaporizhia, have resulted in multiple injuries, according to Ukrainian officials. On Monday, a Russian strike in Sumy injured 90 individuals, including 17 children, as reported by the city’s mayor.
Furthermore, Ukrainian railways, crucial for the country since the invasion began, reported a significant cyberattack on Monday. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed it intercepted a Ukrainian drone near an oil pumping station in the Krasnodar region, accusing Kyiv of continuing assaults on energy infrastructure.
Since taking office in January, Donald Trump has re-engaged with Vladimir Putin, departing from the isolationist approach previously adopted by the West. His stance towards Ukraine has become more critical, highlighted by a confrontation with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in late February.