The US and Russia Start Discussing the War in Ukraine.

On Monday, officials from the United States and Russia commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, following separate talks between representatives from Washington and Kyiv the previous day. US President Donald Trump is advocating for a swift conclusion to the three-year conflict and is optimistic that the negotiations in Riyadh could lead to significant progress. Both parties have put forth various proposals for temporary ceasefires; however, cross-border assaults have persisted without interruption. Initially intended to occur simultaneously to facilitate shuttle diplomacy—allowing the US to alternate between the two delegations—the discussions are now being held sequentially. According to Russia’s TASS news agency, the US-Russian talks commenced around 0730 GMT. The meeting involving the Ukrainian delegation, led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, concluded late Sunday night. Umerov stated on social media that the discussions were productive and focused, addressing critical issues, including energy, while emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to achieving a "just and lasting peace." Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed hope that any agreement reached would lead to a comprehensive ceasefire. "I believe we will witness significant progress in Saudi Arabia on Monday, especially regarding a ceasefire for Black Sea shipping between the two nations. This could naturally lead to a complete cessation of hostilities," he remarked to Fox News. – ‘Only at the beginning’ – However, the Kremlin tempered expectations for a swift resolution on Sunday. "We are merely at the outset of this process," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated in an interview with Russian state television. He noted that numerous unresolved issues remain concerning the implementation of a potential ceasefire. Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed a joint call from the US and Ukraine for an immediate 30-day ceasefire, suggesting instead a pause in attacks solely on energy infrastructure. "There are challenging negotiations ahead," Peskov added in the interview. Peskov indicated that the primary emphasis of discussions with the United States would be the potential revival of the 2022 Black Sea grain agreement, which facilitated safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports through the Black Sea. "On Monday, our main objective is to deliberate on President Putin's willingness to reinstate the so-called Black Sea initiative, and our negotiators will be prepared to address the intricacies surrounding this issue," Peskov stated. Moscow withdrew from the agreement—negotiated by Turkey and the United Nations—in 2023, citing the West's failure to fulfill its obligations to alleviate sanctions on Russia's agricultural exports and fertilizers. A senior Ukrainian official previously informed AFP that Kyiv would advocate for a more comprehensive ceasefire, encompassing attacks on energy infrastructure, general infrastructure, and naval operations. Both parties initiated new drone strikes just before the negotiations commenced. – Fatal Attack on Kyiv – Ukrainian authorities reported that a Russian drone assault late Saturday resulted in the deaths of three civilians in Kyiv, including a five-year-old girl and her father. AFP journalists in the capital observed emergency responders attending to the injured early Sunday in front of residential buildings that sustained damage from the attack. Such lethal strikes in the heavily fortified city are less common than in other regions of the country. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the nation’s allies to intensify pressure on Russia. "New measures and increased pressure on Moscow are essential to halt these attacks and end this conflict," he shared on social media on Sunday. Moscow approaches the Saudi discussions following a thaw in relations with Washington during the Trump administration, which has bolstered the Kremlin's confidence. Peskov remarked on Sunday that the "potential for mutually advantageous collaboration across various sectors between our nations is significant." "While we may have differing views on certain matters, that should not prevent us from reaping mutual benefits," he added.