The United States is set to hold separate talks with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia in a crucial step towards a full cessation of hostilities in the ongoing war between the two nations. The talks will aim to iron out details of a possible limited cease-fire, with American representatives mediating the discussions. Both Russia and Ukraine have agreed to temporarily halt strikes on energy infrastructure, but the implementation of this partial truce has yet to be decided.

The talks, which will be held in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, are expected to focus on hammering out the details of the cease-fire and ensuring safety for shipping in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian delegation is set to meet with U.S. mediators on Sunday, followed by Moscow-Washington talks on Monday.

The talks will involve diplomats and government advisers, with the goal of reaching a 30-day cease-fire that would allow time for negotiations on a permanent truce. However, the path toward such a truce has been shaky, with Moscow insisting on maximalist positions, including asserting territorial control and ensuring Ukraine never joins NATO. Ukraine has repeatedly refused to concede to these demands and accused Russia of stalling for time.

The Ukrainian delegation will be led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and will include experts on military, energy, and civilian infrastructure. Ukraine is also expected to prepare a list of infrastructure objects that could be included in the cease-fire agreement and suggests that the United States could monitor the cease-fire.

Russia’s position on the conflict has remained unchanged, with Moscow demanding that Ukraine capitulate and recognize Russia’s territorial gains. Ukraine has made it clear that it will never accept Russian sovereignty over occupied territories, will not agree to be blocked from joining NATO, and must have security guarantees as part of any peace settlement. Many Ukrainian officials and analysts express doubts concerning the possibility of a long-lasting cease-fire, noting that previous truces have been routinely violated.

The United States will also likely continue meeting their Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in the Middle East to discuss the details of a limited truce. However, the foundations of the diplomatic process have been wobbly, with Moscow and Kyiv indicating that they are ready to continue fighting.

Maria Varenikova contributed to this report.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/europe/russia-ukraine-truce-talks.html