Continuous Progress in Riyadh Negotiations Toward a Ceasefire in Ukraine

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced that the talks between Ukrainian and American delegations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Sunday, March 23, were “productive and substantive,” addressing key issues, including energy.

The meeting followed a series of discussions between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv, including phone calls between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and outgoing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Participants in the meeting announced an agreement to halt the targeting of energy sites in Ukraine, with a commitment to work toward a full ceasefire in the country. Another expert-level meeting between Russia and the United States is scheduled to take place in Riyadh today.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated in a media interview that Washington expects tangible progress in the upcoming talks with Moscow, considering that a partial ceasefire could be a step toward achieving a full ceasefire in Ukraine. Witkoff added that he is confident Moscow is seeking a resolution to the Ukrainian conflict.