Thu Mar 20 19:19:07 UTC 2025: ## US to Hold Separate Talks with Ukraine and Russia on Partial Ceasefire in Saudi Arabia
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – The United States will hold separate talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials in Riyadh on Monday to discuss a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine, both Kyiv and Moscow have confirmed. The talks will build upon recent phone calls between US President Donald Trump and both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to President Zelenskyy, the US will first meet with Ukrainian experts before engaging in “shuttle diplomacy” with Russian representatives. The Russian delegation will be led by former diplomat Grigory Karasin and FSB advisor Sergei Beseda, focusing on Black Sea shipping safety.
While Zelenskyy initially sought a broader ceasefire, he confirmed he will focus on halting attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a point also agreed upon in principle during the phone calls with President Trump. However, he ruled out discussions regarding potential US control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, a topic raised by US officials. He also stated that President Trump did not raise the issue of recognizing Crimea as Russian territory during their conversation.
The planned talks come amidst ongoing efforts by Western powers to support Ukraine. A meeting of Western military officials in London discussed plans for an international peacekeeping force for Ukraine, contingent on a full ceasefire – a proposal Russia has firmly rejected. These developments have been met with strong criticism from Moscow, which accused Europe of escalating the conflict and harboring “anti-Russian sentiment.” Meanwhile, the EU, with the exception of Hungary, issued a joint statement of support for Ukraine, highlighting ongoing divisions within the bloc. Zelenskyy urged the EU for continued financial and military aid.
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