Ukrainian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian officials met with U.S. envoys yesterday in Saudi Arabia to discuss a possible limited cease-fire in the war with Russia. Russian and U.S. representatives are scheduled to speak today. Here’s what to know.
The talks, held in Riyadh, were expected to focus on the temporary halt by both sides of strikes on energy infrastructure, and on safety for shipping in the Black Sea. A Ukrainian official said the Kyiv delegation might hold additional discussions with U.S. officials today.
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s personal envoy to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, has said that the ultimate goal of the talks is a 30-day full cease-fire that would potentially allow time for negotiations toward a permanent truce.
What’s next: The path to a truce has been shaky, with both sides ready to continue fighting. Moscow continues to insist on maximalist positions, including territorial control and ensuring that Ukraine never joins NATO. Kyiv has said that it will not concede to the Kremlin’s demands, and has accused Putin of stalling for time.
Attacks continue: At least three people were killed during a large Russian drone attack on Kyiv, officials said yesterday. In recent months, Russia has intensified strikes on the capital.
