Parallel Negotiations in Riyadh
US and Ukrainian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Sunday night for discussions on de-escalating the ongoing war with Russia. The meeting, described as “productive and focused,” comes as Washington pushes for a broad ceasefire by April 20, which coincides with Easter in both Western and Orthodox traditions. However, according to a Bloomberg report, the timeline could be delayed due to the significant gap between Kyiv and Moscow’s positions.
Meanwhile, Russian officials were set to hold separate discussions with the US on Monday, marking the first time such parallel negotiations have taken place since the early weeks of Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
US-Ukraine Talks: Calls for a Just Peace
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded their meeting with American officials late Sunday night. Umerov stated that the discussion addressed key points, including energy security, and emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to achieving a “just and lasting peace.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his stance that Russia is prolonging the war. He called for increased pressure on Moscow from Kyiv’s allies, stating, “New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war.”
US-Russia Talks: Cautious Optimism
The US-Russia negotiations were scheduled for Monday, with Russian state media confirming Moscow’s delegation had arrived in Riyadh on Sunday. American envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that progress could be made, particularly regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea. He suggested that such an agreement could lead to a broader ceasefire.
However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed expectations of a swift resolution, emphasizing that negotiations were just beginning. Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected a US-Ukrainian call for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead proposing a halt in attacks only on energy facilities. Peskov warned of “difficult negotiations ahead” but acknowledged the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Russia and the US under the Trump administration.
Outlook for Ceasefire
While the US hopes to bridge the gap between Kyiv and Moscow through shuttle diplomacy, significant hurdles remain. Russia’s reluctance to agree to a full ceasefire and ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure complicate efforts toward de-escalation. The coming days will determine whether these parallel negotiations can lead to meaningful progress in ending the three-year-long war.
