Ukraine and US Officials Engage in Diplomatic Talks in Saudi Arabia
Discussions focus on infrastructure security and ceasefire proposals amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Riyadh: Ukrainian and US officials commenced discussions on Sunday aimed at safeguarding energy facilities and critical infrastructure, according to Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
This meeting, taking place in Saudi Arabia, is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by US President Donald Trump, intended to bring an end to the three-year conflict in Ukraine.
These talks precede a scheduled meeting on Monday between US and Russian delegations.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the potential for progress in resolving what has been termed Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
He remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears interested in achieving peace and anticipated advancements regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea region for naval operations.
Furthermore, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated that the US is exploring a variety of confidence-building measures aimed at concluding hostilities, including discussions surrounding the wellbeing of Ukrainian children taken into Russia during the conflict.
Umerov announced the Riyadh talks as an implementation of directives from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to advance toward just peace and enhance security.
Last week, Putin had agreed to Trump’s proposal to halt attacks on energy infrastructure for a duration of 30 days.
However, this limited ceasefire arrangement has faced skepticism, with reports of continued assaults from both sides.
On Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported a significant drone attack by Russian forces on Kyiv, resulting in at least three fatalities, including a child, alongside substantial property damage.
Conversely, Russian authorities claimed their air defenses intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones targeting southwestern regions and reported one casualty in Rostov due to the strikes.
As Russian advances continue in eastern Ukraine, President Zelensky has expressed support for Trump’s initiative for an expansive ceasefire lasting 30 days.
Trump characterized recent efforts to mitigate escalating violence in the Ukraine-Russia conflict as being “somewhat under control,” with aspirations for a comprehensive truce potentially achievable by April 20.
Waltz discussed future negotiation objectives, explaining that after establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, discussions would encompass the delineation of actual front lines and strategies for verification, peacekeeping, and the delineation of permanent peace terms.
European allies, particularly Britain and France, are intensifying military support for Ukraine and increasing defense budgets amidst efforts to lessen dependence on the United States.
Witkoff, addressing concerns regarding potential Russian ambitions post-peace agreement, suggested that the situation today is distinct from the European landscape of World War Two, downplaying fears of broader territorial aspirations by Putin.
This meeting, taking place in Saudi Arabia, is part of a broader diplomatic initiative led by US President Donald Trump, intended to bring an end to the three-year conflict in Ukraine.
These talks precede a scheduled meeting on Monday between US and Russian delegations.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the potential for progress in resolving what has been termed Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
He remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears interested in achieving peace and anticipated advancements regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea region for naval operations.
Furthermore, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz indicated that the US is exploring a variety of confidence-building measures aimed at concluding hostilities, including discussions surrounding the wellbeing of Ukrainian children taken into Russia during the conflict.
Umerov announced the Riyadh talks as an implementation of directives from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to advance toward just peace and enhance security.
Last week, Putin had agreed to Trump’s proposal to halt attacks on energy infrastructure for a duration of 30 days.
However, this limited ceasefire arrangement has faced skepticism, with reports of continued assaults from both sides.
On Sunday, Ukrainian officials reported a significant drone attack by Russian forces on Kyiv, resulting in at least three fatalities, including a child, alongside substantial property damage.
Conversely, Russian authorities claimed their air defenses intercepted 59 Ukrainian drones targeting southwestern regions and reported one casualty in Rostov due to the strikes.
As Russian advances continue in eastern Ukraine, President Zelensky has expressed support for Trump’s initiative for an expansive ceasefire lasting 30 days.
Trump characterized recent efforts to mitigate escalating violence in the Ukraine-Russia conflict as being “somewhat under control,” with aspirations for a comprehensive truce potentially achievable by April 20.
Waltz discussed future negotiation objectives, explaining that after establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea, discussions would encompass the delineation of actual front lines and strategies for verification, peacekeeping, and the delineation of permanent peace terms.
European allies, particularly Britain and France, are intensifying military support for Ukraine and increasing defense budgets amidst efforts to lessen dependence on the United States.
Witkoff, addressing concerns regarding potential Russian ambitions post-peace agreement, suggested that the situation today is distinct from the European landscape of World War Two, downplaying fears of broader territorial aspirations by Putin.
