U.S. and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to negotiate a potential maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, aiming to ensure safe shipping routes amidst ongoing conflicts between Russia and Ukraine. This follows a series of drone attacks, with both sides intensifying strikes in recent days.
Russia launched its third consecutive overnight airstrike on Kyiv, injuring one person and damaging homes. In response, Moscow reported downing 227 Ukrainian drones in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, Russian authorities continue battling a blaze at an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, hit by a Ukrainian drone last week.
The talks, which followed U.S. negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, focus on securing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to allow free movement of ships, an issue that has been complicated since 2022 due to damage inflicted on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. While Ukrainian ports remain functional, despite Russian attacks, the conflict has disrupted shipping from some areas, such as Mykolaiv.
The U.S. delegation, led by White House National Security Council senior director Andrew Peek, is working alongside Russian negotiators including Grigory Karasin, a top foreign affairs official. Despite progress in discussions, there is skepticism in Europe regarding Putin’s willingness to compromise, with some fearing his maximalist demands remain unchanged.
U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been pressing for an end to the war, has expressed optimism over the talks. However, European leaders remain cautious, questioning whether Putin is ready to make real concessions or if he continues to insist on Ukraine dropping its NATO aspirations and withdrawing from disputed territories.
The negotiations also aim to build confidence and address issues such as peacekeeping measures and the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia. White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz emphasized that the talks also encompass broader issues beyond a Black Sea ceasefire, including potential peacekeeping solutions and verification measures.
As talks progress, the Kremlin continues to honor a 30-day pause on attacking Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, despite Kyiv’s ongoing strikes on Russian energy targets. Ukraine has demanded a formal agreement to guarantee the moratorium is upheld.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Riyadh on Monday, signaling potential further discussions with the U.S. delegation after talks with Russia conclude.
