On March 23 and 24, 2025, important diplomatic negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Delegations from Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv gathered with hopes of reaching common ground in an endeavor that has seen numerous twists and turns since its commencement.
Kellog’s remarks frame the discourse in an intriguing way as he described the talks as informal negotiations. "One group will be in one room, the other group will be in another. They will be sitting there talking, walking back and forth. It's going to work like shuttle diplomacy in a hotel. And then we’ll find out what their positions are," declared Kit Kellog, special envoy for Donald Trump, in an interview with ABC News. This creative approach is designed to facilitate communication without the pressure of face-to-face confrontation.
The structure of the delegations reflects significant political dynamics. Leading the Ukrainian delegation is Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who aims to leverage his military experience and knowledge in discussions. Alongside him tackles Pavel Palisa, the deputy head of the presidential office who has previously commanded frontline units in the ongoing war.
In contrast, the American delegation is represented by notable figures such as Andrew Peek, a senior director in the National Security Council. Peek has made headlines before, suggesting that now might be the time to disconnect Russia from SWIFT to increase economic pressure amid the ongoing conflict. He quoted, "There is a lot of history about Russia that behaved abnormally for 700 years," framing the ongoing tensions within a historical perspective.
On the other side, the Russian delegation members include experienced diplomats and security services personnel. Grigory Karasin leads this charge, backed by Sergei Beseda, whose past actions during critical events, like the Euromaidan protests in 2014, bring added complexities to the negotiation table. Reports even suggested that Beseda was a catalyst in the decision-making processes that contributed to violent responses during those protests.
As these negotiation efforts unfold, a concurrent dialogue is happening internationally. On March 24, President Vladimir Putin thanked UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his active mediation in facilitating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. This comes amid discussions between Russian and American expert groups about ending hostilities, particularly those impacting the Black Sea region.
Interestingly, since the beginning of 2024, the UAE has been integral to prisoner exchanges, having facilitated 13 exchanges involving over 3,200 military personnel. The recognition of this support by Putin highlights not only a bilateral focus but also emphasizes the growing role of regional players in the broader geopolitical landscape.
While these negotiations are filled with hopes for peace, they also underline the deep-seated divisions and historical baggage that all parties bring to the table. Umerov has previously stated that "victory for Ukraine will be determined on the battlefield," underscoring the gravity of the military situation, and the negotiations may just be one facet of a multifaceted approach towards ending the conflict.
As the world watches these discussions unfold, they resonate not just within the walls of conference rooms, but across the lives impacted by continued strife. Negotiators and influencers on both sides are grappling with the magnitude of their decisions and the ripple effects they can have on actual lives.
The complexity of these dialogues emphasizes that while diplomatic discussions are crucial, the intertwined fates of nations hinge precariously on military realities and the willingness of leaders to compromise. In a moment when previous agendas confront new realities, the invitation to talk may yet hold the possibility of a path forward.
The outcomes of the talks in Riyadh will be critical—not only for laying the groundwork for future relations between Russia, Ukraine, and the US but also in shaping the perceptions and strategies of every participant in this global conflict. As the involved parties aim for resolution, they are entwined in a web of necessity, history, and the hope for a peaceful tomorrow.
