Key Insights from U.S.-Mediated Russia-Ukraine Talks in Riyadh

US to Mediate in Russia-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia

You will be interested to note that separate discussions between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia. Sponsored by the United States, these talks aim to finalize the particulars of a potential limited cease-fire. This move could be pivotal in achieving a complete cessation of hostilities in the ongoing war.

A mutual agreement was reached by Russia and Ukraine last week to suspend strikes on energy infrastructure temporarily. However, the specifics of implementing this partial truce remain undecided as attacks persist.

These discussions, held in Riyadh—the capital of Saudi Arabia—with American representatives acting as mediators, are set to concentrate on ironing out these issues. The negotiations will also aim to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian team is slated to meet with U.S. mediators first on Sunday, followed by a Moscow-Washington discussion on Monday.

Details of the Talks

An anonymous Ukrainian official revealed that Sunday’s talks would commence in the evening, Kyiv time. He further hinted that depending on progress, the Ukrainian delegation might hold additional talks with U.S. officials on Monday.

Ultimate Goal of the Talks

Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Trump as his personal envoy to Russian President, Vladimir Putin, stated that the ultimate goal of these talks is securing a 30-day full cease-fire that would create a window for negotiations on a permanent truce.

However, the journey towards such a truce has been fraught with obstacles. Moscow maintains its maximalist positions, insisting on territorial control and ensuring that Ukraine never gains NATO membership. The Ukrainian government continues to reject these demands, accusing Putin of stalling for time.

The Russian Delegation

According to Dmitri S. Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, the Russian delegation for the talks was personally selected by Putin. The team will comprise Grigory B. Karasin, a senior Russian diplomat and lawmaker and Sergey O. Beseda, an advisor to the leader of the Federal Security Service (F.S.B.), Russia’s domestic intelligence agency.

Mr. Beseda’s selection came as a surprise to many, given his reputation as an influential spymaster.

The Ukrainian Delegation

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, announced his defense minister, Rustem Umerov, as part of the delegation to attend the Riyadh negotiations. Pavlo Palisa, a top military advisor to Zelensky will also be part of the talks.

Expected Outcomes of the Talks

With the technical aspects of energy and shipping being the main focus of the talks, Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine would also send experts to Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he added that a third party would need to supervise the cease-fire, suggesting the United States as a likely option.

Moscow’s Position

Last week, during a phone conversation with President Trump, Putin stated Russia would only agree to a temporary truce if Ukraine halted the mobilization of soldiers, troop training, and weapon imports for the duration of the cease-fire.

Putin also demanded the complete cessation of foreign military aid and intelligence to Kyiv.

Kyiv’s Position

In recent discussions, Ukrainian officials have laid out their conditions for the negotiations. These include never accepting Russian sovereignty over occupied Ukrainian territory, not agreeing to be blocked from joining NATO, refusal to reduce the size of their army, and a requirement for security guarantees as part of any peace agreement.

What’s Next?

Looking forward, Witkoff told Bloomberg News that a meeting between Trump and Putin in Saudi Arabia is likely to occur within the coming weeks.