US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire End After 12 Hours in Saudi Arabia
Negotiations between United States and Russian officials over a partial ceasefire in Ukraine ended after 12 hours in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, according to Russian state media. A joint statement on the outcome is expected on Tuesday.
The Black Sea ceasefire was the top agenda item in the discussions, as US officials engaged in shuttle diplomacy between Russian and Ukrainian representatives on US-Russia Ukraine ceasefire talks.
Missile Strike on Sumy as Talks Continue
As negotiations unfolded, a missile attack struck Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, wounding nearly 90 people, including 17 children, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The regional prosecutor’s office confirmed damage to residential buildings, a hospital, and an educational facility.
Trump Pushes for Peace Deal
President Donald Trump has been advocating for a rapid resolution to the three-year war, with hopes that these high-level negotiations will lead to a breakthrough.
A previous US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Jeddah was rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Ukraine’s agreement. However, officials are now exploring reviving the Black Sea Initiative, a deal that facilitated grain exports from Ukrainian ports.
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Putin’s Proposal and Ceasefire Hopes
According to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, the Black Sea Initiative was proposed by Trump and accepted by Putin, forming the basis for Russia’s participation in the Riyadh talks.
US envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, stating that progress on a Black Sea ceasefire could pave the way for a broader ceasefire agreement.
However, the Kremlin remains cautious, with Peskov emphasizing that the negotiations are still at an early stage and that “difficult talks lie ahead.”
Western Powers Discuss Ceasefire Enforcement
Meanwhile, British and French defense chiefs met in London to discuss efforts to safeguard a potential ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have hinted at deploying British and French troops to support a peace deal in Ukraine.
As diplomatic talks continue, questions remain on whether a lasting ceasefire can be achieved and effectively enforced.
What are your thoughts on the latest developments? Let us know in the comments.
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