US and Russian officials have initiated talks in Saudi Arabia as Donald Trump works to establish a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, which could be a starting point for long-term peace. Ukraine and Russia have provisionally agreed to a one-month suspension of strikes on energy infrastructure after Trump’s discussions with the nations’ leaders. However, uncertainty persists regarding the execution and scope of the ceasefire, including whether it extends to critical facilities beyond energy infrastructure, such as hospitals and bridges.
US officials met with Ukraine on Sunday and then separately with Russia on Monday, mainly at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy, stated that the ultimate objective is a 30-day ceasefire, during which a permanent ceasefire would be discussed.
Ukraine’s defense minister confirmed that the Ukrainian and US delegations discussed protection measures for energy facilities and essential infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the delegation to the talks was operating constructively and that discussions were useful.
Russia is represented in the talks by Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the Russian FSB services, and Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who negotiated the 2014 Minsk accords. The lead-up to the talks was marred by controversial pro-Russian statements from Witkoff, who appeared to validate Russia’s controversial referendums in Ukrainian regions.
During an interview, Witkoff claimed that the majority of people in regions where Moscow held referendums want to be under Russian rule. These referendums were widely denounced in the West as illegitimate and seen as attempts to justify Russia’s annexation of the regions.
Witkoff also mentioned that Putin had commissioned a portrait of Trump by a Russian painter and that Putin had prayed for Trump after an assassination attempt. These remarks could increase anxiety in Ukraine and among European allies.
Moscow continues to launch drone attacks on Ukraine as the talks proceed, suggesting a rift between the two parties on what constitutes acceptable terms for a peace treaty. Russia demands the cessation of foreign military aid to Ukraine, restrictions on the size of its armed forces, and international recognition of annexed Ukrainian regions, all of which are non-negotiable for Kyiv and its allies. The presence of Western troops in Ukraine is also a contentious issue, with Moscow opposing it and Kyiv deeming it necessary for long-term security guarantees. Ukraine remains skeptical of any agreement with Russia, citing past instances where Moscow failed to honor its commitments.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/24/us-russia-talks-riyadh-saudi-arabia-ukraine-ceasefire
