Ukraine Peace Talks in Riyadh: Hope for a Ceasefire Amid Continued Conflict

 As diplomatic efforts intensify, Ukraine and the United States commenced discussions in Riyadh on Sunday, March 23, aiming to secure a preliminary ceasefire agreement. These talks come ahead of a separate U.S.-Russia meeting, also scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia.

While both sides have starkly different objectives, the possibility of a temporary ceasefire remains on the table. However, ongoing military offensives and diverging interests cast uncertainty over the outcome.

Diverging Objectives: A Political Deadlock

Russian President Vladimir Putin appears to be in no rush to negotiate, particularly as his forces continue operations in the Kursk region. The Kremlin’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, has downplayed expectations, stating, "This is a very complex issue with a lot of work ahead. These negotiations will be difficult."

Russia’s priority appears to be the revival of the Black Sea grain deal, which previously allowed Ukraine to export vital food supplies despite the ongoing war. Moscow withdrew from the agreement last year, citing unfulfilled Western promises to ease restrictions on Russian agricultural exports.

On the other hand, Ukraine and the U.S. are pushing for at least a temporary cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure. Ukrainian Defense Minister Roustem Umerov confirmed that the agenda includes "proposals aimed at protecting essential energy facilities."

Although Kyiv has previously expressed willingness for an unconditional ceasefire, the lack of trust between the parties remains a significant barrier.

Russian Delegation Lacks Senior Negotiators

A key indicator of Moscow’s cautious approach to the negotiations is the composition of its delegation. Unlike previous high-profile talks, where Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov led the Russian team, Putin has dispatched two lower-profile figures:

• Grigori Karassine – a former diplomat and current senator

• Sergueï Besseda – a senior official from the Russian FSB security service

Karassine remained optimistic, telling Russian state television, "Sergueï Orestovitch (Besseda) and I are determined and constructive. We hope to make at least some progress."

This contrasts sharply with Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defense Minister Roustem Umerov, underscoring the imbalance in diplomatic experience between the two teams.

U.S. Emissary Optimistic About "Real Progress"

Representing the U.S. delegation, Steve Witkoff, an emissary for President Donald Trump, has expressed confidence in the negotiations. "I expect real progress," he stated on Sunday.

Witkoff’s rapport with Vladimir Putin has drawn attention, particularly after he praised the Russian leader on a podcast, saying, "I do not consider him a bad guy." He also revealed that Putin gifted him a portrait of Donald Trump and claimed that the Russian president prayed for Trump after the former U.S. leader survived an assassination attempt in July.

When questioned by Fox News about the possibility of Russia expanding its territorial ambitions, Witkoff dismissed concerns, stating, "I simply do not believe he wants to take over all of Europe. This is very different from World War II."

However, he signaled urgency for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, warning, "This is the best time for him to strike a deal."

Europe Left on the Sidelines

Despite expressing a strong interest in shaping the talks, European leaders have been largely sidelined. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have emphasized the need for European involvement, but their influence remains limited.

A high-level summit is scheduled for Thursday in Paris, where Zelensky and Kyiv’s allies are expected to discuss their stance on the negotiations.

Fighting Continues as Talks Progress

Even as diplomatic efforts unfold, the conflict on the ground rages on. Shortly after a call between Putin and Trump on Tuesday, Russian forces launched airstrikes on civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy, northern Ukraine.

Over the weekend, Kyiv suffered a "massive" drone attack, with multiple neighborhoods sustaining damage. At least three people were killed, while Ukraine’s air defenses intercepted 59 Russian drones across various regions, including Crimea.

With both diplomatic and military tensions escalating, the Riyadh talks represent a critical juncture in the ongoing conflict. Whether the negotiations lead to a tangible ceasefire or merely buy time for further hostilities remains to be seen.