Ukrainian and U.S. delegations met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday to discuss proposals aimed at protecting energy facilities and critical infrastructure, as part of a broader diplomatic push to end the three-year conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The talks, led by Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, focused on advancing a “just peace” and strengthening security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the discussions as “constructive” and “useful,” though he emphasized that any lasting resolution depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin issuing a clear order to halt attacks.
The meeting preceded a critical round of U.S.-Russia talks scheduled for Monday, where U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about achieving a ceasefire, particularly in the Black Sea region. Witkoff told Fox News that he believes Putin “wants peace” and predicted “real progress” in the coming days. He suggested that a limited ceasefire on maritime activities could pave the way for a broader cessation of hostilities.
Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation on the ground remains volatile. A recent Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed at least three people, including a child, while Russian officials reported intercepting 59 Ukrainian drones targeting southwestern regions. These incidents cast doubt on the feasibility of a 30-day ceasefire proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which Putin initially agreed to but has yet to fully implement.
Zelenskiy has backed Trump’s call for a comprehensive 30-day truce, even as Russian forces continue to advance in eastern Ukraine. The U.S. is reportedly aiming for a broad ceasefire agreement by April 20, with negotiations focusing on confidence-building measures, including the fate of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
However, Trump’s direct engagement with Putin has raised concerns among European allies, who fear the U.S. might prioritize a peace deal with Russia at the expense of European security. Countries like Britain and France are ramping up military support for Ukraine to reduce reliance on the U.S., while Witkoff dismissed fears that a Ukraine deal would embolden Putin to invade other neighbors, calling such concerns overstated.
As talks continue, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges, but the diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia offer a glimmer of hope for ending Europe’s deadliest conflict in decades.
