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Ukraine: Moscow enters the Saudi talks following a period of renewed ties with Washington under the Trump administration, which has strengthened the Kremlin’s confidence on the global stage.
As negotiations for a Ukraine peace deal commence in Saudi Arabia, significant differences between U.S. and Russian expectations have come to light. While both sides seek a resolution, their conflicting interests and strategic priorities pose challenges to reaching a consensus. The discussions, involving multiple global stakeholders, aim to establish a framework for ending the ongoing conflict. However, with diverging views on territorial integrity, security guarantees, and diplomatic solutions, bridging the gap remains a complex task. The outcome of these talks could shape the future geopolitical landscape and determine the path toward lasting peace in the region.
Riyadh: In a significant diplomatic effort, US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night for what were described as “productive and focused” discussions aimed at de-escalating the ongoing war with Russia. The United States is hopeful for “real progress,” but Moscow—whose delegation is set to hold separate negotiations with American officials on Monday—has warned of “difficult negotiations” ahead.
According to reports, the White House is advocating for a broad ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine by April 20, which marks Easter for both Western and Orthodox churches. However, Bloomberg reports that this timeline may be delayed due to major differences in the positions of Kyiv and Moscow.
US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a swift resolution to the three-year-old conflict. The ongoing talks in Riyadh mark the first time since the early weeks of Russia’s invasion that US officials are conducting parallel negotiations with both Russian and Ukrainian representatives.
Originally, these negotiations were scheduled to take place simultaneously to facilitate shuttle diplomacy. However, with both warring sides presenting different proposals for a temporary truce, hostilities have continued. The US hopes that alternating discussions between the delegations will create a pathway toward a breakthrough, potentially leading to meaningful steps toward peace.
The latest high-level meeting between the United States and Ukraine concluded late Sunday night, with a delegation led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Following the discussions, Umerov described the talks as “productive and focused,” emphasizing that key topics, including energy security, were addressed. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Prior to the meeting, Ukrainian officials had indicated that protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure would be a central topic on the agenda. With ongoing Russian strikes targeting vital infrastructure, Ukraine continues to seek international support to safeguard essential services and maintain stability.
In his evening address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that “Russia is the only one dragging this war out,” stressing the need for decisive action. “No matter what we discuss with our partners, the key goal remains pushing Putin to give a real order to stop the strikes. The one who initiated this war must be the one to end it,” Zelensky stated.
The Ukrainian leader also called on allies to intensify pressure on Moscow, urging new measures to counter Russia’s continued aggression. “New decisions and stronger pressure on Moscow are necessary to halt these attacks and bring this war to an end,” he posted on social media.
As Ukraine continues its diplomatic efforts, the international community closely watches how these discussions shape future strategies for defense, energy security, and peace negotiations.
US-Russia Negotiations:
High-level negotiations between the United States and Russia are set to take place on Monday, with Russian state media confirming that Moscow’s delegation arrived in Riyadh on Sunday.
Amid the ongoing tensions, American envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that the discussions could lay the foundation for a broader ceasefire. Speaking to Fox News, he stated, “I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that, you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire.”
However, the Kremlin has tempered expectations, emphasizing that the process is still in its early stages. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV, “We are only at the beginning of this path,” highlighting that significant challenges remain regarding the implementation of a potential ceasefire.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead suggesting a limited pause targeting only energy facilities. Peskov acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, stating, “There are difficult negotiations ahead.”
The Saudi-hosted talks come as Moscow strengthens its diplomatic standing following a renewed engagement with Washington under Trump, which has increased confidence in the Kremlin. Peskov reiterated the importance of US-Russia relations, stating, “The potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in a wide variety of spheres between our countries cannot be overstated. We may disagree on some things, but that does not mean we should deprive ourselves of mutual benefit.”
As discussions unfold, the global community closely watches whether these negotiations will yield a meaningful resolution or simply mark another step in the long road toward de-escalation.
Moscow’s Black Sea Agenda:
Moscow has announced that its primary focus in upcoming discussions with the U.S. will be the potential revival of the 2022 Black Sea grain deal. This agreement, initially brokered by Turkey and the United Nations, allowed for the safe export of Ukrainian agricultural products through the Black Sea.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the discussions would center around President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to reinstate the initiative. “On Monday, we mainly intend to discuss President Putin’s agreement to resume the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem,” Peskov stated.
Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023, citing the West’s failure to fulfill promises regarding the easing of sanctions on its own agricultural and fertilizer exports. Moscow has consistently argued that restrictions on its trade have hindered global food supply chains.
Meanwhile, a senior Ukrainian official revealed to AFP that Kyiv plans to propose a broader ceasefire alongside the grain deal negotiations. The proposed truce would encompass halting attacks on energy infrastructure, critical facilities, and naval targets, signaling a potential step towards de-escalation in the ongoing conflict.
As negotiations unfold, the global community closely watches how these talks might impact food security, regional stability, and diplomatic relations in the Black Sea region.
Drone Strikes Escalate Ahead of Peace Talks Ukraine
Tensions continue to rise as both Russia and Ukraine launched fresh drone attacks on the eve of upcoming negotiations. Ukrainian officials reported that a Russian drone strike in Kyiv claimed the lives of three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
Ukraine’s air force revealed that Russia unleashed 147 drones in its latest wave of attacks, intensifying the conflict. Meanwhile, Russia reported repelling nearly 60 Ukrainian drones overnight. Officials confirmed that a man was killed in the southern Rostov region after his car caught fire due to falling drone debris, while another woman lost her life in the Belgorod border region following a drone strike.
Amid the escalating violence, Ukraine’s military announced a rare battlefield success, stating that its forces had recaptured a small village in the eastern Lugansk region. As both sides continue their offensives, the upcoming negotiations remain uncertain, with tensions at an all-time high.
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