US and Russian negotiators convened in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a partial ceasefire in Ukraine, following earlier talks between US and Ukrainian representatives, according to Russian media reports. State agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti confirmed that the negotiations had commenced in Riyadh. The discussions are expected to be followed by further engagements between US and Ukrainian officials. The meetings aim to outline a temporary pause in long-range strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian sites, as well as a halt in Black Sea attacks to facilitate safe commercial shipping.

Last Wednesday, Ukraine and Russia tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire after US President Donald Trump held discussions with both nations’ leaders. However, discrepancies remain regarding the scope of the ceasefire. While the White House stated that energy and infrastructure would be included, the Kremlin asserted that only energy infrastructure was covered under the agreement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has pushed for additional protections for railways and ports. Meanwhile, Russia carried out overnight drone strikes across Ukraine, killing at least seven people, including a father and his 5-year-old daughter in Kyiv. "There must be more pressure on Russia to stop this terror," Zelenskyy said, urging Ukraine’s allies—the US, Europe, and others—to act decisively.

Zelenskyy has expressed openness to a full 30-day ceasefire proposed by Trump. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a complete ceasefire conditional on halting arms supplies to Kyiv and suspending Ukraine’s military mobilization—conditions that Ukraine and its Western allies have rejected. Speaking on Fox News Sunday, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about progress in the Saudi Arabia talks, particularly concerning a Black Sea ceasefire. He suggested that such an agreement could pave the way for a broader cessation of hostilities.

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