US, Ukraine Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Peace Efforts

Delegations from the United States and Ukraine have concluded talks in Saudi Arabia, mediated as part of peace negotiations, Al Jazeera reports.

These discussions are taking place under the auspices of the US administration.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, described the talks in Riyadh as “productive,” stating that discussions focused on protecting energy sites and critical infrastructure from attacks. The specific parameters of any potential truce remain a point of contention, with both Moscow and Kyiv expressing differing viewpoints.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the potential for progress during the talks, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is interested in pursuing a peaceful resolution.

“I just don’t see that he wants to take all of Europe,” he added.

The Russian and US delegations are scheduled to hold separate meetings in Riyadh on Monday.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported the interception and destruction of 59 Ukrainian drones overnight, primarily over the Rostov and Astrakhan regions.

Prior to the talks, President Trump stated that efforts to de-escalate the conflict were “somewhat under control,” emphasizing the importance of “rational discussions” and positive relationships with both President Putin and Zelensky in achieving a negotiated end to the war.

The US President held separate discussions with Putin and Zelensky the previous week, aimed at finding a path to end the conflict that began in 2022. These discussions followed a meeting at the White House between US leadership and Zelensky, where the spat occurred.

While the recent talks did not result in the comprehensive 30-day ceasefire initially sought, Putin reportedly agreed to a cessation of Russian attacks on energy infrastructure for a specified period, an agreement accepted by Zelensky. However, both sides have since accused each other of targeting energy sites.