US and Russian officials began talks on Monday in Saudi Arabia, following a meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations the previous day.
Last week, both Russia and Ukraine agreed to a temporary halt in strikes on energy facilities. However, the details of implementing the partial truce remain unresolved, as attacks continue in various regions.
The US delegation aims to advance discussions on a Black Sea ceasefire and a broader cessation of hostilities in Ukraine. The “technical talks” come amid heightened efforts by US President Donald Trump to broker a pause in the three-year-long war in Ukraine.
Ukraine was the first to meet with the US delegation on Sunday. Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s Defence Minister and head of the delegation, described the five-hour talks as “productive and focused,” particularly on energy-related issues.
The discussion was productive and focused – we addressed key points including energy.
A Ukrainian official, speaking anonymously, suggested that further discussions with US officials could occur on Monday, depending on progress of talks between Russia and the United States.
US objectives
Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s personal envoy to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has outlined the ultimate goal of the talks: a 30-day full ceasefire to create space for negotiations on a permanent truce. However, achieving this remains challenging, as Ukraine has consistently rejected the Kremlin’s demands.
Unlike previous ceasefire discussions involving high-level officials, this round focuses on technical matters, with diplomats and government advisers taking the lead. The US delegation includes Keith Kellogg, the Special Envoy to Ukraine; Michael Anton, Policy Planning Director at the State Department; and aides to National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.
Members of delegations
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin personally selected the Russian negotiators. The delegation is led by Grigory Karasin, a senior diplomat and lawmaker, and Sergey Beseda, an adviser to the head of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, includes Pavlo Palisa, a top military adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Both are part of a peace talks team appointed by Zelensky this month, headed by his Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak.
Given the technical nature of the discussions, Ukraine also sent experienced diplomats and civil servants to address energy and shipping issues. Zelensky has proposed a list of infrastructure sites for inclusion in the ceasefire and suggested that the US could serve as a third-party monitor.
Moscow’s demands, Kyiv’s red lines
During a recent call with President Trump, Putin stated that Russia would agree to a temporary truce only if Ukraine ceased mobilising soldiers, training troops, and importing weapons for the duration of the pause. He also demanded an end to foreign military aid and intelligence support for Kyiv, calling the measures essential for conflict resolution.
Witkoff echoed a Kremlin talking point by referencing the referendums Russia held in Ukrainian territories, claiming they justified Moscow’s actions.
There is a view within the country of Russia that these are Russian territories. There are referendums within these territories that justify these actions.
Ukraine, however, agreed to a limited ceasefire on energy infrastructure but maintained firm conditions for any peace settlement. Kyiv will not recognise Russian sovereignty over seized territories, will not abandon its aspirations to join NATO, and will not reduce the size of its military. Additionally, Ukraine insists on security guarantees as part of any agreement.
Witkoff hinted that Trump and Putin might meet in Saudi Arabia within weeks. Meanwhile, US officials are expected to continue discussions with Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in the Middle East to refine the details of a potential limited truce.
