The first major peace negotiations on Ukraine in over a year have begun in Saudi Arabia, with US and Ukrainian officials engaging in tense discussions on Sunday night. The United States remains optimistic about securing a ceasefire agreement before April 20, aligning with Easter celebrations, but deep rifts persist as Russia prepares for separate talks with Washington.
US Pushes for an Easter Ceasefire Amid Continued Attacks
The White House is pushing for a broad ceasefire deal by April 20, but Kyiv and Moscow remain far apart on key conditions. While Ukraine demands an immediate halt to all hostilities, Russia insists on only limiting strikes on energy infrastructure, rejecting a full military truce.
President Donald Trump has made a quick resolution to the war a top priority, advocating for separate US-led negotiations with both Ukraine and Russia in Riyadh. This marks the first parallel diplomatic engagement between the warring parties since the early months of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
However, despite diplomatic efforts, fighting continues unabated, with both Kyiv and Moscow launching fresh attacks in the hours leading up to the talks.
US-Ukraine Talks: Calls for Lasting Peace and Stronger Sanctions
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, met with US officials on Sunday night, discussing energy security and military de-escalation.
“The talks were productive and focused—we addressed critical issues, including protection of energy infrastructure,” Umerov stated after the meeting.
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over Moscow’s stance, saying, “Russia is the only one dragging this war out.” He urged Ukraine’s allies to apply “new pressure on Moscow” to force an end to the war.
US-Russia Talks: Kremlin Rejects Immediate Ceasefire
On Monday, US officials will meet with Russian representatives, who arrived in Riyadh on Sunday. While Washington is optimistic about making progress, Moscow has downplayed expectations, calling the negotiations a “long and difficult process.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that a rapid ceasefire is unlikely, emphasizing that “many unresolved questions remain.” President Vladimir Putin has firmly rejected a 30-day truce proposal backed by both the US and Ukraine, instead offering a limited ceasefire focused only on energy infrastructure.
Russia’s Key Proposals:
Limited ceasefire, excluding front-line combat zones
Resumption of the Black Sea grain deal
Easing of Western economic sanctions
Moscow is particularly focused on renegotiating the 2022 Black Sea grain agreement, which was originally brokered by Turkey and the United Nations but collapsed in 2023. Russia withdrew from the deal, blaming Western nations for failing to uphold agreements on agricultural exports.
“We are here to discuss the Black Sea initiative first,” Peskov confirmed ahead of talks, signaling Moscow’s primary focus.
Ongoing Drone Strikes Escalate Tensions
Even as negotiations begin, both Ukraine and Russia launched drone strikes, highlighting the fragile nature of the talks.
🇺🇦 Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that a Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed three civilians, including a five-year-old girl and her father.
🇷🇺 Russia, meanwhile, claimed to have repelled nearly 60 Ukrainian drone strikes, with civilian casualties reported in Belgorod and Rostov.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military reported a rare battlefield victory, announcing the capture of a small village in the eastern Luhansk region.