Ukraine, US begin talks in Riyadh: What’s on agenda
Photo: Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov (Getty Images)
A meeting between Ukrainian and US delegations has begun in Saudi Arabia. The parties are discussing proposals concerning the security of energy and infrastructure facilities, reports Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.
"We’ve started the meeting with the American team in Riyadh. We are implementing the President of Ukraine’s directive to bring a just peace closer and to strengthen security. The agenda includes proposals to protect energy facilities and critical infrastructure," the minister wrote.
He noted that today, the teams are working on a number of complex technical issues. In particular, the Ukrainian delegation includes energy experts, as well as military representatives from the naval and air components.
What the talks will focus on
Notably, The New York Times reported that the current talks in Riyadh will last for two days. Today, discussions will take place between Ukraine and the US, while tomorrow, talks will be held between Washington and Moscow. At the same time, a Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, mentioned that additional negotiations between the Ukrainian and American sides could take place tomorrow, but this will depend on progress.
The aim of this meeting is to agree on the details of a potential partial ceasefire (halting strikes on energy infrastructure, allowing navigation in the Black Sea), which could become a decisive step toward a complete cessation of hostilities.
Earlier, RBC-Ukraine reported that, according to Bloomberg, the Trump administration aims to conclude a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine by Easter, which falls on April 20. However, officials at the White House acknowledge that these deadlines may shift.
