Mon Mar 24 11:32:03 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Push for Ukraine Ceasefire
**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Amid heightened diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration, US and Russian negotiators met in Riyadh on Monday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks, which follow a separate US-Ukraine meeting on Sunday, focus primarily on a resumption of the Black Sea grain deal and a halt to attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure.
US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism, suggesting the talks could lead to a comprehensive ceasefire. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov cautioned that difficult negotiations lie ahead.
The US and Ukrainian delegations held “productive” talks on Sunday, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for Russian President Vladimir Putin to order a complete cessation of hostilities. Despite a previously agreed-upon limited ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure, both sides have continued to accuse each other of attacks.
The US-Russia agenda centers on the Black Sea grain deal, which Russia withdrew from in 2023. The resumption of the deal, allowing the movement of grain and other goods, is a key priority for both sides. Discussions also involve establishing verification mechanisms for a broader ceasefire, including defining front lines and addressing concerns about monitoring compliance. The return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children is also being considered as a confidence-building measure.
While President Trump brokered initial agreements for a limited ceasefire and the commencement of peace talks, his unilateral approach has strained relations with European allies, who are concerned about their exclusion and Russia’s territorial ambitions. The role of European allies and potential peacekeeping forces remains undefined in the current negotiations.
First Piper 