Russia and U.S. Begin Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia - The Moscow Times

Russian and U.S. officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday over a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine war, a day after American and Ukrainian delegates held separate discussions.

U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing for a swift end to the war and hopes the talks in Riyadh could help lay the groundwork for a peace breakthrough.

Both sides of the conflict have put forward different proposals for temporary ceasefires, but cross-border attacks have continued unabated.

Originally planned as simultaneous meetings to allow for shuttle diplomacy -- where U.S. negotiators would move between the delegations -- the discussions are now taking place sequentially.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency reported that U.S.-Russia talks had begun at around 07:30 GMT.

The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded its meeting with U.S. officials late Sunday.

"The discussion was productive and focused -- we addressed key points, including energy," Umerov wrote on social media, adding that Ukraine remains committed to achieving a "just and lasting peace."

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism that any initial agreement could pave the way for a broader ceasefire.

"I think you're going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries," Witkoff told Fox News. "And from that you'll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire."

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/24/russia-and-us-begin-ceasefire-talks-i n-saudi-arabia-a88453

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* Origin: Ukraine News from various sources (2:263/1)