In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, U.S. negotiators are holding critical talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials, aiming for a breakthrough in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The discussions, which commenced on March 23, 2025, are part of a renewed effort to establish a partial ceasefire followed by a comprehensive peace deal, a notable maneuver given the hostility that has marked this war since it began in 2022.
The urgency for a ceasefire was underscored over the weekend when nearly 150 Russian drones targeted cities across Ukraine, causing the deaths of at least seven individuals, including a five-year-old girl. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly called for increased pressure on Russia, stating, "New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to put an end to these strikes and this war." This statement was made just hours before the Riyadh negotiations began.
During the talks, which U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff characterized as "constructive and meaningful," focus shifted to safeguarding Ukraine's energy infrastructure and ensuring safe navigation for shipping lanes in the Black Sea. The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, is keen to discuss a variety of issues, including the ongoing threats to energy facilities and the dire impacts on civilian life.
Witkoff expressed optimism about potential progress, suggesting the talks could lead to a significant breakthrough regarding a ceasefire on maritime operations. He stated, "I think you're going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that, you'll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire." However, this optimism is tempered by Russian officials, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dampening expectations. Peskov remarked, "We are only at the beginning of this path," indicating that negotiations would be complicated and challenging.
The situation further complicates as Russia has explicitly rejected proposals for a full and immediate 30-day ceasefire, instead opting to limit discussions to halting attacks on energy facilities. This divergence in expectations reflects the broader challenges that have characterized peace negotiations throughout the war.
This week alone, the intensity of attacks has escalated, with Zelenskyy reporting that over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 attack drones, and 15 different missiles were launched at Ukrainian targets, all containing foreign components. "Sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective," he insisted, emphasizing the need for a robust response from Ukraine's allies.
Amid these ongoing hostilities, both sides have seen significant losses. The war has led to hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides, deepening the humanitarian crisis and exacerbating civilian suffering in Ukraine as the conflict stretches into its third year.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials are also eager to revive the 2022 Black Sea grain deal, which previously ensured safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports. The prospect of renewing this agreement has raised hopes for broader discussions on establishing a truce.
In a less optimistic light, reports indicate that Russian troops have seized additional territory in eastern Ukraine, most notably the village of Sribne, while Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture a small village called Nadia in the Luhansk region. This back-and-forth underscores the volatile nature of the battlefield, with both sides continuing to contend over territory.
As discussions unfold in Riyadh, the international community remains watchful. The Trump administration is reportedly seeking to broker a truce agreement by Easter 2025, although there are concerns that the timeline may slip. Witkoff's statements reflect an unusual contradiction in policymaking, as he affirmed his respect for Putin, suggesting he believes the Russian president desires peace despite the current military aggression.
"That is a complicated situation, that war, and all the ingredients that led up to it," Witkoff remarked, adding his convictions about Putin, who he described as "super smart" and possessing a genuine interest in resolving the conflict.
In the meantime, the humanitarian toll mounts. With every bombing raid and drone strike, the cost in human lives climbs. Zelenskyy's appeals to the international community echo throughout social media, seeking to galvanize international support and impose stricter sanctions against Russia to deter further aggression. The drive for a sustainable peace hangs in a precarious balance, with each meeting, each statement from leaders, and each attack shaping the ongoing narrative.
As the Riyadh talks progress into their next expectedly complicated phases, observers are left considering the implications of these negotiations on both the short-term and long-term prospects for peace in Ukraine. What remains to be seen is whether the words of hope from negotiators can translate into tangible action on the ground, and whether the will for peace can overcome the deeply entrenched divisions wrought by years of violence.
