The United States has stepped into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, mediating talks in an attempt to establish a limited cease-fire.
These discussions are seen as a potential step towards a more comprehensive peace agreement between the two nations, whose conflict has caused significant devastation since its onset.
The talks took place in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, with American representatives engaging with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations on consecutive days.
The immediate focus of the negotiations is to address the targeted strikes on energy infrastructure, which have intensified the hardship faced by civilians in Ukraine. Despite both sides agreeing to halt such attacks, the specifics of implementing this temporary truce remain unresolved.
The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitri S. Peskov, confirmed that the discussions also covered safety measures for shipping in the Black Sea.
Additionally, the restoration of the 2022 grain export agreement, which allowed Ukraine to export its produce to global markets, was a significant point of discussion. Russia had previously pulled out of the deal in 2023, citing the negative impact of Western sanctions on its agricultural exports.
Peskov stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is closely monitoring the talks, but the Kremlin remains guarded about sharing further details during the ongoing negotiations.
Grigory B. Karasin, a senior Russian diplomat and one of the leaders of the Russian delegation, described the talks as “creative,” indicating a cautious optimism from Moscow. He highlighted the importance of understanding each other’s perspectives to find a common ground.
On the Ukrainian side, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov led the discussions on Sunday, noting that the talks lasted about five hours and primarily focused on energy-related issues.
While Umerov described the talks as “productive,” the details of the discussions remain under wraps. An anonymous Ukrainian official suggested that further discussions with U.S. representatives could take place depending on the progress of the talks.
The United States’ involvement is primarily through Steven Witkoff, appointed by former President Donald Trump as his personal envoy to President Putin. Witkoff outlined the goal of securing a 30-day comprehensive cease-fire, which could pave the way for more extensive negotiations.
However, achieving such a truce appears challenging due to the deep-rooted disagreements between Russia and Ukraine.
Russia continues to hold firm on its demands, insisting on territorial control over occupied regions of Ukraine and seeking assurances that Kyiv will not join NATO.
Moscow has also called for a complete halt to Ukraine’s military mobilisation and the cessation of foreign military aid. However, Kyiv remains resolute in its refusal to compromise on territorial integrity or its right to strengthen its defences.
The American stance, while supportive of Ukraine’s sovereignty, has shown occasional signs of alignment with the Kremlin’s perspectives.
Witkoff’s remarks about the legitimacy of Russia’s referendums in occupied territories—widely regarded as illegal and fraudulent by the international community—have raised eyebrows and added a layer of complexity to the negotiations.
The talks in Riyadh also highlight the contrasting approaches within the Russian delegation. While Karasin has experience in foreign diplomacy, the involvement of Sergey O. Beseda, an adviser from Russia’s domestic intelligence agency, has drawn attention.
Beseda, known for his intelligence operations, was reportedly a key figure in persuading Putin of the feasibility of invading Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s delegation, led by Umerov and supported by experienced diplomats and officials, has maintained a firm stance. President Volodymyr Zelensky has insisted on international monitoring of any cease-fire and has sought security guarantees for Ukraine in any potential peace agreement.
The conflicting demands of both nations suggest that while talks may open channels for dialogue, a lasting resolution is still far from reach. As the discussions continue, questions linger over the feasibility of a limited cease-fire and the willingness of both sides to compromise.
Analysts believe that the path to peace remains uncertain. Moscow and Kyiv are both prepared to continue fighting, regardless of the diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. Dmitry Kuznets, a military analyst, pointed out that the visions of a potential agreement from both sides are still vastly different.
