On Sunday, U.S. and Ukrainian diplomats convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This is the first time the three countries have gathered to discuss ending the war. However, Russia and Ukraine will not meet face-to-face. Instead, U.S. officials will engage in shuttle diplomacy, facilitating indirect communication between the two parties.
According to The New York Times, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that the primary objective is to achieve a 30-day ceasefire and use that period for comprehensive discussions on a permanent truce.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, leading his country’s delegation, emphasized that the talks would address critical issues such as protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure. This comes in response to Ukraine’s allegations that Russia has violated previous commitments to cease attacks on energy infrastructure.
Talks between the U.S. and Russia are scheduled to continue on Monday, and further discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine may also occur.
These negotiations follow recent phone conversations between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on March 18 and 19, respectively. During these calls, Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. Discussions on this issue will take place during these talks.
The meetings are expected to focus on the maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. This aim is to revive the Black Sea Grain Agreement, which previously opened the export of Ukrainian agricultural products and fertilizers via sea routes.
