In a significant diplomatic move, US and Russian officials convened in Saudi Arabia on the 24th of March, 2025, to discuss a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine war.
This crucial meeting followed separate discussions between Washington and Kyiv a day earlier, setting the stage for what could be a turning point in the three-year conflict.
US President Donald Trump is pushing for an expedited resolution, hoping the negotiations in Riyadh will lay the groundwork for a breakthrough.
However, while both nations have tabled proposals for temporary ceasefires, hostilities continue unabated, with cross-border attacks persisting despite diplomatic efforts.
The original plan was for simultaneous talks, allowing for shuttle diplomacy with the US mediating between delegations.
However, the structure shifted, leading to back-to-back meetings instead. By 0730 GMT, Russia’s TASS news agency confirmed that discussions between the US and Russian delegations had commenced.
Diverging Strategies and Ceasefire Ambitions
Late Sunday night, the Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, wrapped up its discussions with US officials.
The talks, described as “productive and focused,” touched on critical areas, including energy. Umerov reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, suggesting that progress in Riyadh could lead to a broader ceasefire. He hinted at the potential for a “full-on” cessation of hostilities, particularly in the Black Sea.
“I think you’re going to see some real progress, particularly regarding a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. From there, it could naturally extend to a full shooting ceasefire,” Witkoff told Fox News.
Russia’s Cautious Stance
Despite US enthusiasm, the Kremlin tempered expectations, warning that a swift resolution remained unlikely.
“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Russian state TV, emphasizing the complexity of ceasefire implementation.
President Vladimir Putin has outrightly dismissed a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, instead advocating for a limited halt in attacks, specifically on energy infrastructure.
Peskov acknowledged the negotiations would be challenging, stressing that the “main” focus of Russia’s discussions with the US would revolve around resuming the 2022 Black Sea grain deal a crucial agreement ensuring safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports.
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Moscow withdrew from the UN and Turkey-brokered deal in 2023, accusing Western nations of failing to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports.
Peskov indicated that the upcoming negotiations would explore the possibility of reviving the initiative.
Tensions Remain High as Attacks Persist
As talks commenced, both Ukraine and Russia carried out fresh drone strikes, underscoring the volatility of the situation.
On Saturday night, a Russian drone attack in Kyiv claimed three civilian lives, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
Ukrainian officials condemned the strike, with President Volodymyr Zelensky calling for stronger international pressure on Moscow.
“New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war,” Zelensky stated on social media.
Diplomatic Maneuvering and US-Russia Relations
Moscow enters these discussions following an improved rapport with Washington under Trump, a dynamic that has bolstered confidence in the Kremlin.
Peskov underscored the potential for cooperation between the two nations, despite their differences.
“We may disagree on some things, but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit,” he remarked.
As negotiations continue in Riyadh, the world watches closely. Will this diplomatic effort mark the first step toward lasting peace, or will the conflict remain locked in a cycle of violence?