Ceasefire talks in Riyadh: Ukraine and US seek energy accord
Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov informed that negotiations between Ukrainian and American delegations have begun in Riyadh.
In the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, another round of Ukrainian-American talks regarding a ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine began on Sunday. The discussions will cover security issues, the protection of energy facilities, and critical infrastructure, according to Ukrainian Defence 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," stated Umerov.
The authorities in Kyiv anticipate an agreement on a partial ceasefire involving energy facilities, civilian infrastructure, and ensuring free navigation in the Black Sea.
Bloomberg reported that the White House aims for the ceasefire agreement in the war between Russia and Ukraine to be reached before 20th April.
Simultaneously, the authorities in Washington acknowledged that the deadline for reaching an agreement might be extended due to significant differences between the positions of Ukraine and Russia, as per individuals familiar with the plan as reported by Bloomberg.
This year, on the same day, 20th April, Christian churches of both Western and Eastern rites are celebrating Easter. Earlier, Russian media reported that it was precisely at this time that a meeting could occur between the leaders of the USA and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.
Delegation talks
On 18th and 19th March, US President Donald Trump conducted telephone talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Following these talks, the White House announced that the next round of negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine would take place in the coming days in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh.
Initially, it was reported that meetings between the US and Ukrainian delegations, and separately with Russia, would occur on Monday, 24th March. On Saturday evening, Zelensky announced that the meeting of the Ukrainian and American delegations would already be organised on Sunday.
Talks between the Washington and Moscow delegations are scheduled for Monday.
