In a significant maneuver to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, US negotiators are engaging in talks with their Ukrainian counterparts in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as they separately converse with Russian officials. The primary focus of these discussions is to establish an immediate partial ceasefire in the war-ravaged nation, ultimately paving the way for a comprehensive peace agreement.
The atmosphere in Riyadh is tense yet hopeful, as divergent opinions emerge regarding the potential outcomes of these negotiations. Trump’s personal envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, stating, “I feel that he (Putin) wants peace,” suggesting that significant progress could be made during discussions. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has tempered such expectations, indicating that the talks are merely in the initial stages and that patience is required.
Support for the ceasefire comes amidst a backdrop of grave violence, with Ukraine experiencing one of its worst drone attacks on Saturday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of three individuals, including a five-year-old girl. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for firm action, urging the need to pressure Putin into issuing a comprehensive stop to attacks.
The Kremlin, however, appears hesitant, with President Putin outlining numerous conditions that need to be met before agreeing to a proposed 30-day ceasefire as suggested by Washington and accepted by Kyiv.
The discussions taking place in Riyadh also aim to address critical issues such as energy security and infrastructure protection in Ukraine. Both sides have been thrust into a series of destructive strike exchanges, with Ukraine focusing on crippling Russian oil facilities through effective drone operations, and Russia retaliating by attacking Ukrainian energy sources to plunge the population into darkness.
President Trump has expressed a clear desire for a rapid resolution to this devastating conflict, which has resulted in countless casualties on both sides— a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the war since its onset. His influence over US diplomacy reflects in the urgency of these talks in Riyadh, with the world keenly awaiting any breakthroughs that might help forge a path to lasting peace.