Ukrainian and U.S. officials held a second round of talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss a potential limited cease-fire in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The negotiations follow a similar 12-hour meeting between Russian and American delegations held the day before. Both sides are engaging in U.S.-mediated discussions in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to explore options for a temporary halt to strikes on energy infrastructure and a cease-fire in the Black Sea, a critical trade route for both nations. The talks aim to find common ground between Ukraine and Russia, although both sides have emphasized the need to approach the negotiations with caution rather than expecting immediate results.
Presently, the agenda is focused on a tentative agreement to temporarily halt strikes on energy infrastructure, although the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, raised concerns about the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and the renewal of a grain deal from 2022. Ukraine is willing to consider a limited cease-fire and has indicated its openness to a third-party monitor to oversee the agreement, suggesting that the United States could fill this role. Dmitry S. Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, stated that the Russian government is reviewing the outcomes of the meeting between Russian and American representatives, describing the talks as “technical” and indicating that results will not be disclosed.
The path to a more comprehensive truce remains uncertain. Moscow continues to assert its demands, including territorial control and preventing Ukraine from joining NATO, which Ukraine’s government has consistently refused to accept. It is unclear whether both sides are willing to compromise or if a limited cease-fire agreement could prevent further escalation. The Russian delegation includes senior diplomats and intelligence advisors, while Ukraine’s delegation is headed by a former negotiator and accompanied by a top military adviser to the Ukrainian president.
The discussions also include consideration of potential prerequisites for a cease-fire, such as Ukraine stopping military mobilization and training activities, and halting the import of weapons. Russia would further require the cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Ukraine, which the White House has indicated would continue regardless of Russia’s demands. The conflict’s resolution remains uncertain, with both sides holding to their own visions for an agreement. As the negotiations continue, preparations are underway for a possible meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir V. Putin, which could occur in Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks. Despite hopes for peace, concerns remain about the commitment of both Ukraine and Russia to achieving and maintaining a lasting cease-fire. Commentators question the solidity of the diplomatic process, especially given the range of differing expectations and the ongoing military engagement by both sides.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/article/russia-ukraine-truce-talks.html
