U.S. and Russia Hold Ceasefire Talks in Riyadh as Ukraine Pushes for Unconditional Peace

Negotiations focus on energy infrastructure and Black Sea grain deal, but ongoing hostilities and civilian casualties underline challenges to progress.

The United States and Russia are meeting in Riyadh to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine, with the U.S. also engaging Ukrainian officials in separate talks.
Ukraine has called for an unconditional ceasefire, but Russia prioritizes resuming the Black Sea grain deal and achieving military objectives.
Russian drone strikes over the weekend caused civilian casualties in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia, including the deaths of entire families.
Confidence-building measures, such as the return of Ukrainian children displaced to Russia and prisoner exchanges, are being discussed as part of the negotiations.
The European Union has been excluded from these talks, highlighting its diminished role in shaping the outcome of the conflict.