U.S. Pushes for Ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia

A U.S. delegation, led by businessman-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff, has begun crucial negotiations with Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The discussions come as the Trump administration seeks to broker a ceasefire in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

According to Russian state media, the talks commenced on Monday morning. This follows a separate meeting between U.S. officials and Ukrainian representatives, where President Donald Trump’s Kyiv envoy, Keith Kellogg, and Ukraine’s Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov, held what Umerov described as “productive and focused” discussions.

While there is cautious optimism surrounding these negotiations, deep divisions remain between the parties involved. Over the weekend, Russian drone strikes killed at least six people in Ukraine, including civilians. Meanwhile, Moscow has accused Ukraine of targeting oil and gas facilities inside Russian territory, despite Russia’s offer to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The Russian delegation, based at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, includes veteran diplomat Grigory Karasin and former intelligence chief Sergey Beseda. Beseda, a key figure in Russia’s security circles, is seen in Ukraine as a staunch nationalist and early backer of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

Challenges in Reaching a Ceasefire

Trust remains a significant obstacle, particularly in light of Witkoff’s recent remarks that appeared to align with some of Russia’s territorial claims. In a Sunday interview, he referred to four occupied Ukrainian regions—Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk—as “Russian-speaking” areas and questioned whether Ukraine could politically acknowledge Russia’s control over them.

“There have been referendums where the majority of people indicated they want to be under Russian rule,” Witkoff stated.

The so-called referendums, held by Russia in 2022, were widely condemned by Western nations as illegitimate. At the time, the U.S. and its allies dismissed them as a violation of international law, asserting that the regions remain part of Ukraine.

Moscow has outlined strict conditions for a ceasefire, including a demand that Ukraine not use the pause to reorganize or resupply its troops. Additionally, Russia insists that Ukraine must permanently abandon aspirations to join NATO.

Zelensky’s Stance

As discussions unfold, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has placed the burden of ending the war on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The one who brought this war must take it away,” Zelensky said on Sunday night, signaling that Ukraine remains firm in its refusal to accept territorial concessions.

Despite diplomatic efforts, significant roadblocks remain, with both sides reluctant to compromise on key issues. The outcome of these talks will be critical in determining whether a ceasefire can be achieved or if the war will continue with no end in sight.