US and Russian negotiators began talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, discussing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, according to reports from Russian state news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti. The negotiations come just hours after a separate round of discussions between US and Ukrainian officials.
The discussions are expected to be followed by another round of US-Ukrainian contact, as efforts continue to define the scope of the proposed ceasefire.
Focus on energy facilities and black sea shipping
The talks in Riyadh are aimed at agreeing on a pause in long-range attacks against energy infrastructure and civilian facilities. Additionally, negotiators are working towards a halt in attacks in the Black Sea to allow for the safe passage of commercial shipping.
While Ukraine and Russia agreed in principle last Wednesday to a limited ceasefire, following discussions with US President Donald Trump, the two nations remain divided over its exact terms.
The White House has insisted that the ceasefire should cover all energy and infrastructure sites, but the Kremlin has interpreted it more narrowly, stating that only energy infrastructure should be included.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for an even broader agreement, seeking protection for railways and ports as well.
Escalation of Russian attacks
Despite ongoing negotiations, Russian forces launched a large-scale drone assault across Ukraine overnight into Sunday, killing at least seven people, including a father and his five-year-old daughter in Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy condemned the attacks, saying:
“There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror.”
He further urged the US, Europe, and Ukraine’s other allies to intensify efforts to hold Russia accountable and push for a lasting ceasefire.
Divisions over a full ceasefire proposal
While Zelenskyy has signalled openness to a broader, 30-day ceasefire – a proposal put forward by Donald Trump – Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded additional conditions, including:
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- A halt to Western arms supplies to Ukraine
- A suspension of Ukraine’s military mobilisation
These demands have been flatly rejected by both Ukraine and its Western allies, who argue that they would effectively leave Ukraine defenceless.
Hopes for progress in Saudi talks
Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism that significant progress could be made during the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
“We expect some real progress at the talks in Saudi Arabia, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries, and from that, you’ll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire.”
With tensions still high and both sides continuing military operations, diplomatic efforts remain fragile. The Riyadh talks are seen as a key test of whether any meaningful ceasefire can be agreed upon and sustained.
What happens next?
The next phase of discussions will likely determine:
- Whether an initial ceasefire agreement on energy facilities and shipping can be enforced
- If a broader deal including railways and ports can be reached
- Whether Ukraine and Russia can agree on steps towards a longer-term truce
As negotiations continue, the humanitarian impact of the war remains severe, with civilian casualties rising and Ukraine’s critical infrastructure under relentless attack. The success or failure of these talks could determine the course of the conflict in the coming months.
