US, Ukraine, and Russia Engage in Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – High-stakes negotiations on a partial ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war are underway in Saudi Arabia, with US officials meeting separately with Ukrainian and Russian delegations. While Washington remains optimistic about “real progress”, Moscow warns of challenging negotiations and a long road to peace.
Trump Pushes for Ceasefire, Russia Focuses on Black Sea Deal
Former US President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift resolution to the three-year conflict, believing these talks could lay the groundwork for a broader ceasefire. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism that a Black Sea ceasefire could lead to a full-scale truce. Meanwhile, Russia prioritizes discussions on reviving the Black Sea grain export deal, which it exited in 2023 due to unfulfilled Western commitments.
Challenges Persist Despite Talks
While Ukraine pushes for a wider ceasefire covering energy and infrastructure attacks, hostilities continue, with both sides carrying out drone strikes just before the negotiations. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned against expecting quick results, stating that the discussions are still in their early stages.
As Washington and Moscow seek common ground, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urges Kyiv’s allies to apply more pressure on Russia to halt attacks and end the war. With diplomatic efforts gaining momentum, the Riyadh talks could shape the next phase of the conflict and future peace efforts.
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