KYIV/RIYADH – High-level diplomatic efforts continue as Ukrainian and U.S. officials gather in Saudi Arabia to explore a potential partial ceasefire with Russia. The meeting, set for late Sunday, comes as part of intensified international efforts to ease tensions after three years of conflict.
Scheduled ahead of Monday’s discussions between U.S. and Russian delegations, the Sunday meeting follows previous talks in Saudi Arabia, where initial agreements saw Kyiv accepting a 30-day truce proposal.
Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, will lead Kyiv’s delegation. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that Umerov’s presence allows for rapid and meaningful action. Despite this, Ukrainian authorities have described the meeting as primarily technical. Foreign ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi noted that the session aims to clarify various ceasefire mechanisms, including monitoring and enforcement procedures.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a proposal to suspend attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure for 30 days. However, the agreement fell short of a broader ceasefire initially backed by Kyiv and sought by the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that efforts to de-escalate the conflict were “somewhat under control.” Reports suggest Washington is aiming for a comprehensive truce by April 20, according to sources cited by Bloomberg News. On Monday, Russian and U.S. experts are set to discuss maritime security in the Black Sea, reflecting continued concerns over regional stability.
Despite ongoing diplomacy, fighting persists. Russian forces continue gradual advances in eastern Ukraine, a region Moscow claims to have annexed. Overnight drone strikes on Kyiv resulted in three fatalities, including a 5-year-old child, and caused extensive damage. Meanwhile, Russian authorities reported downing 59 Ukrainian drones targeting southwestern regions, with one fatality recorded in Rostov.
As negotiations progress, the international community watches closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could bring lasting peace to the region.