A high-level US delegation, led by diplomat Steve Witkoff, has commenced negotiations with Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the aim of progressing toward a ceasefire in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The talks come as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire, building on earlier discussions with Ukrainian officials.
Focus on the Black Sea Initiative
The primary issue on the agenda is the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had previously allowed Ukrainian grain to be safely exported via Black Sea waters. The initiative collapsed in 2023 after Russia withdrew, citing barriers to its own food exports. Both the US and Russia are now exploring ways to renew this agreement, focusing on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea. The potential for a broader ceasefire—lasting 30 days—remains a key point of negotiation, although considerable differences in expectations exist between Russia, Ukraine, and their US counterparts.
Rising Tensions Despite Diplomacy
While diplomatic talks continue, military tensions remain high. Russian strikes in Ukraine over the past 24 hours have left at least four civilians dead and 13 injured. The Ukrainian government has pledged retaliation against Russian forces, with ongoing attacks reported on both sides.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a temporary halt to attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure following a call with US President Donald Trump. However, Russia has continued targeting civilian areas, undermining trust in any potential ceasefire.
Key Players and Strategic Demands
At the Riyadh talks, Russia is represented by prominent diplomats, including Grigory Karasin and Sergey Beseda, former head of Russia’s FSB intelligence agency. Beseda is known for his hardline stance on the war. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described earlier discussions with the US delegation as productive but stressed ongoing concerns over Russian military actions. Umerov confirmed additional meetings with US officials are scheduled.
The US delegation’s credibility has been challenged by Witkoff’s remarks in a recent interview with podcast host Tucker Carlson. Witkoff expressed sympathy for Russia’s territorial ambitions, suggesting that the regions of Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk—areas Russia seeks to annex—were “Russian-speaking” and that local referendums showed overwhelming support for Russian rule. These controversial remarks, made on Sunday, have sparked criticism due to their perceived alignment with Moscow’s narrative, particularly given the widespread condemnation of the 2022 referendums, which were seen as fraudulent.
Ukraine’s Stance and the Path Forward
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a speech on Sunday, emphasized that Russia must be held accountable for ending the war it started. He placed the responsibility on Putin, stating, “The one who brought this war must take it away.”
Despite the complex negotiations and differing expectations, the US hopes to build momentum toward a more lasting peace. However, Moscow insists that a ceasefire is contingent on Ukraine agreeing not to use the truce to regroup or resupply its forces, while also demanding that Ukraine renounce NATO membership.
As diplomatic discussions continue, the future of the Black Sea Grain Initiative and the broader conflict hinges on both sides’ ability to bridge significant gaps in their positions. The next few days could prove pivotal in determining the trajectory of peace efforts in the region.
This article has drawn upon publicly available information, including statements from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and interviews with Ukrainian officials.
US, Saudi and Ukrainian peace negotiations with Russia. (AP pic) Via FMT
