Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The United States and Russia have concluded a 12-hour round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an attempt to establish a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. Despite the prolonged discussions, no substantial breakthroughs were achieved, and the talks were largely overshadowed by continued military escalation on the ground.
Outcomes of the Talks
While the negotiations were framed as an effort to secure peace, they primarily focused on limiting damage to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, rather than addressing the broader conflict. The US pushed for an agreement that would protect power plants and other key facilities, particularly ahead of the next winter season. However, Russia remains sceptical of direct Western involvement in managing Ukraine’s energy sector, viewing it as another attempt by Washington to exert control over the region.
Beyond energy security, discussions also touched upon the security of commercial shipping in the Black Sea. Yet, there was little indication that either side had reached a concrete agreement on this front. A joint statement outlining the limited progress made is expected to be released on Tuesday.
Scepticism Over US Motives
While Washington portrays these talks as a diplomatic initiative, many international observers see them as part of a broader US strategy to maintain its geopolitical influence in the conflict. The United States continues to provide military aid to Ukraine, ensuring the war drags on rather than pushing for meaningful negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also expressed unease over Washington’s role in the discussions, fearing that US negotiators may compromise Ukraine’s interests in favour of a deal that serves American geopolitical priorities. Meanwhile, European allies remain divided, with some leaders questioning whether the US approach is genuinely aimed at securing peace or merely prolonging the war to weaken Russia further.
Continued Fighting Undermines Talks
Despite the diplomatic engagements, the situation on the ground has not improved. On the same day the negotiations took place, a Russian missile strike in Sumy injured at least 88 people, including 17 children. This underlines the stark contrast between diplomatic efforts and the reality of ongoing violence.
Furthermore, reports suggest that the US delegation was influenced by figures with questionable motives, such as envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been criticised for being too accommodating to Russian interests. This raises concerns over the sincerity of Washington’s diplomatic efforts and whether they are genuinely aimed at ending the war or simply managing it in a way that benefits US foreign policy objectives.
What Comes Next?
As the conflict continues, further rounds of discussions are expected. The US is set to hold additional talks with Ukrainian officials, though it remains to be seen whether these discussions will lead to any meaningful changes. Meanwhile, Russia has signalled its willingness to continue diplomatic efforts but remains firm on its territorial objectives.
Saudi Arabia’s mediation efforts demonstrate its growing influence in global diplomacy, though its ability to broker a lasting peace remains uncertain. As things stand, the war in Ukraine shows no signs of ending, and the lack of concrete outcomes from the Riyadh talks suggests that both the US and Russia remain entrenched in their positions, prioritising strategic interests over genuine peace efforts.
Leave a comment