Ukraine aims for ceasefire breakthrough in Riyadh talks

• Talks in Riyadh: Key meetings will take place on Monday in the capital of Saudi Arabia, with delegations from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine participating.
• Partial ceasefire: Ukraine is aiming for a ceasefire in the areas of energy, civilian infrastructure, and Black Sea navigation.
• American proposal: The United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire covering airspace, sea, and land, but Russia agreed only to a limited agreement.

On Monday (March 24), crucial talks between Ukraine and the United States regarding a ceasefire in the conflict with Russia will take place in Saudi Arabia. There will also be U.S.-Russian discussions. Kyiv hopes that they will reach an agreement on a partial ceasefire.

"We still want to agree on a ceasefire, at least on what we have proposed," said a high-ranking Ukrainian official, quoted by AFP on Friday.

The meetings in Riyadh will include delegations from the United States, Russia, and Ukraine, chaired by Ukraine's Defense Minister, Rustem Umerov.

As a result of previous talks, Kyiv expressed willingness to accept the American proposal for the immediate implementation of a 30-day ceasefire, and the U.S. committed to restoring intelligence sharing and military support for Ukraine.

Russia only agreed to a 30-day ceasefire concerning energy and infrastructure facilities. It conditioned a full ceasefire on the complete cessation by the West of arms and intelligence supplies to Ukraine.

During a conversation with Zelensky, Trump suggested that the United States could take over Ukrainian nuclear power plants to ensure their safety. Washington emphasized that American ownership provides "the best protection" for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.