Ukrainian MP details Ukraine and Russia's goals in Saudi Arabia talks
Photo: Fedir Venislavskyi (Getty Images)
On Monday, March 24, Ukrainian and Russian delegations will hold "indirect talks" in Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian side will continue coordinating with the US on which Russia cannot strike targets, as well as potential agreements on a ceasefire, reports UNIAN, citing Fedir Venislavskyi, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament's Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.
"The Ukrainian delegation will meet with US representatives in Saudi Arabia to continue coordinating a list of sites that, first and foremost, cannot be targeted for Russian attacks. This list has been prepared, and our delegation is bringing it to Riyadh. There will probably be additional agreements on a ceasefire, but everything depends on the position of our enemy," the Ukrainian MP said.
Venislavskyi noted that Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, but Russian President Vladimir Putin did not. At the same time, the deputy did not rule out that US President Donald Trump could influence Russia.
"Putin is trying to buy time. He believes this delay will play into Russia's hands... This is Putin's tactic. Therefore, I would not rule out that this could indeed turn into a prolonged process. However, Trump has called for a quick ceasefire. So, I think that if Russia continues to use this as its behavioral algorithm, Trump might resort to painful methods to influence Russia," Venislavskyi explained.
First meeting in Riyadh and agreements
On March 11, a meeting took place between US and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia. Kyiv was represented by Andriy Yermak, Head of the Presidential Office; Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense; and Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine's Foreign Minister. Washington was represented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Based on media reports and several public statements, the Ukrainian side arrived at these talks with a proposal for a partial 30-day ceasefire, particularly in the air and at sea. However, following the talks, Ukraine agreed to the US proposal for a complete 30-day ceasefire, which suspended hostilities across the entire frontline.
On March 18, US President Donald Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. It was later revealed that the Kremlin leader agreed to a partial ceasefire, specifically a halt to attacks on energy infrastructure and a resolution to the situation in the Black Sea.
For more details on who will participate in the negotiations on March 24 from the US, Ukraine, and Russia, as well as how the talks will proceed, read RBC-Ukraine's report.
