U.S. and Russian representatives concluded extensive discussions on Monday regarding a specific proposal for a sea ceasefire agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. The talks, which also aimed at reaching a maritime ceasefire deal in the Black Sea, were seen as a key step in President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the ongoing conflict.
While the meeting was taking place in Saudi Arabia with a Ukrainian delegation present, a Russian missile strike caused significant damage to a school and a hospital in Ukraine, resulting in the injury of at least 88 individuals. Despite this, the White House expressed optimism, indicating progress and hinting at a forthcoming positive announcement.
Following the talks, a draft joint statement was sent to Moscow and Washington for approval, with plans to release it on Tuesday according to a Russian source. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned that no official documents would be signed, as reported by the TASS agency.
President Trump highlighted various issues discussed during the talks, including territorial disputes, demarcation lines, and power plant ownership. Last week, Russia rejected Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, only agreeing to refrain from attacking energy infrastructure.
Simultaneously, a missile strike hit Sumy in northeastern Ukraine, damaging residential buildings, a school, and a hospital. Fortunately, the schoolchildren were safe in a shelter during the attack. Ukrainian officials condemned Russia’s actions, calling for an end to the bombing of civilian areas.
The discussions in Saudi Arabia followed recent phone conversations between Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who has adjusted U.S. support for Ukraine, is aiming for a swift resolution to the conflict.
The primary focus of the talks was to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to ensure safe navigation. Kremlin spokesperson Peskov emphasized the importance of navigation safety, citing previous failures in UN-backed agreements related to Black Sea shipping.
The U.S. delegation at the talks was led by White House National Security Council senior director Andrew Peek and senior State Department official Michael Anton. Russia was represented by Grigory Karasin, chair of the Russian upper house’s Foreign Affairs Committee.
Despite positive feedback from Trump on the progress of the discussions, European powers remain skeptical about Putin’s willingness to make substantial concessions. Putin has expressed readiness for peace talks but has firm conditions, including Ukraine dropping its NATO aspirations and withdrawing troops from annexed regions.
The talks also addressed the line of control between the armies and verification measures for peacekeeping. White House national security adviser Mike Waltz highlighted the discussions on freezing military lines and ensuring peace between the conflicting parties.
