The latest round of talks between US and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh concluded on Sunday, with Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov describing the discussions as “productive and focused.” Key topics, including energy security, were addressed as both sides aimed to make progress toward a potential ceasefire. Umerov emphasized President Volodymyr Zelensky’s commitment to securing a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine and Europe, stating that efforts are underway to turn that vision into reality.
The Ukrainian delegation included senior officials such as State Secretary of the Foreign Ministry Oleksandr Karasevych, Presidential Office deputies Pavlo Palisa and Ihor Zhovkva, and Deputy Energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk. The meeting followed a prior engagement in Jeddah, where Ukraine conditionally agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan in exchange for Washington lifting its pause on military aid and intelligence sharing.
The diplomatic efforts continue as the US is set to meet with Russian officials on Monday, following the arrival of Moscow’s delegation in Riyadh. The Russian team includes Grigory Karasin, Sergey Beseda, and Yuri Ushakov, key figures in Russia’s international affairs and security sectors. Initially planned as shuttle diplomacy, where the US would mediate between both sides simultaneously, the talks have now been structured to take place separately.
Speaking in his nightly address, President Zelensky accused Russia of prolonging the war, stating that Moscow must “take back what it started.” Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against expectations of immediate progress, emphasizing that negotiations are only in their early stages. He noted that discussions would focus on the potential resumption of the 2022 Black Sea grain export agreement, which was brokered by Turkey and the United Nations but collapsed in 2023. Moscow has insisted that any revival of the deal must include easing Western sanctions on Russian agricultural exports.
The US and Ukraine have pushed for a full and immediate 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has countered with a proposal for a limited halt on attacks targeting energy infrastructure. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that the negotiations could yield progress, particularly regarding a potential Black Sea ceasefire, which he believes could naturally lead to a broader truce.
Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities continue on the battlefield. Ahead of the negotiations, both Russia and Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian strike on Kyiv killed three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father. Meanwhile, the US confirmed that Zelensky had agreed in talks to halt attacks on Russian energy facilities.
Observers are closely monitoring whether the Riyadh talks will result in meaningful steps toward de-escalation or serve as an initial phase in a prolonged negotiation process.
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