Ukraine eyes partial ceasefire in Riyadh amid energy tensions
Ukraine hopes to achieve a partial ceasefire with Russia following Monday's talks in Riyadh. The key issues concern energy, civilian infrastructure, and Black Sea navigation, reported the French agency AFP on Friday, citing a Ukrainian official.
What you need to know
- Talks in Riyadh: Key meetings will take place on Monday in the capital of Saudi Arabia, with delegations from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine participating.
- Partial ceasefire: Ukraine is aiming for a ceasefire in the areas of energy, civilian infrastructure, and Black Sea navigation.
- American proposal: The U.S. proposed a 30-day ceasefire covering airspace, sea, and land, but Russia agreed only to a limited agreement.
On Monday (March 24), crucial talks between Ukraine and the U.S. regarding a ceasefire in the conflict with Russia will take place in Saudi Arabia. There will also be U.S.-Russian discussions. Kyiv hopes that these talks will lead to an agreement on a partial ceasefire.
Ukraine hopes for an agreement
"We still want to agree on a ceasefire, at least on what we have proposed," a high-ranking Ukrainian official said, as quoted by AFP on Friday.
The meetings in Riyadh will include delegations from the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, chaired by Ukraine's Defence Minister Rustem Umerov.
As a result of previous talks, Kyiv expressed willingness to accept the American proposal for the immediate implementation of a 30-day ceasefire, and the U.S. committed to restoring intelligence sharing and military support for Ukraine.
Russia only agreed to a 30-day ceasefire concerning energy and infrastructure facilities. It conditioned a full ceasefire on the complete cessation by the West of arms and intelligence supplies to Ukraine.
During a conversation with Zelensky, Trump suggested that the United States could take over Ukrainian nuclear power plants to ensure their safety. Washington emphasized that American ownership provides "the best protection" for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
