Negotiations for a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine involved U.S. diplomats meeting Russia’s representatives on Monday, following separate discussions with Ukrainian officials. A provisional agreement for a 30-day ceasefire had been tentatively reached by both Moscow and Kyiv the previous week, but hostilities have persisted, with both parties engaging in drone and missile attacks.
Disagreements remain over which targets should be protected, even after discussions involving U.S. President Donald Trump and the nations’ leaders. The U.S. has advocated for the cessation of attacks on “energy and infrastructure,” while Russia interprets this to mean only “energy infrastructure.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy desires broader protection for infrastructure, including railways and ports.
Meetings in Riyadh on Monday focused on reconciling these differences and discussing a potential pause on Black Sea attacks to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping. Russian media indicated these talks concluded by late Monday.
President Trump, speaking to reporters, mentioned territorial considerations and the possibility of U.S. management of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southern Ukraine as topics of negotiation. Trump suggested U.S. administration could help operate the seized power facility, given the degradation it has suffered under Russian control.
Monday’s talks in Riyadh featured U.S. and Russian representatives, while America and Ukraine conferred the previous day. A Ukrainian presidential advisor noted that their delegation remained in Riyadh on Monday and expressed expectations for further discussions with U.S. officials. Zelenskyy indicated upcoming meetings between Ukraine and U.S. delegates, without specifying a timeline.
Russian parliamentary official Grigory Karasin, involved in negotiations, described the discussions as “creative,” highlighting mutual understanding between U.S. and Russian participants.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, military actions continue from both sides. Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that a Ukrainian drone targeted an oil station in southern Russia, thwarted before reaching its target. Meanwhile, the Kremlin accused Ukraine of violating a temporary cessation by striking Russian energy facilities, claims refuted by Ukraine.
Zelenskyy maintained that a ceasefire proposal has been on the table since March, accusing Russia of perpetuating violence. He urged global pressures from the U.S., Europe, and others to end “this terror.” While Ukraine is open to a full ceasefire, Russia sets conditions involving arms supplies and military mobilization, which Ukraine and its allies have dismissed.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff anticipated progress in negotiations, suggesting that halting Black Sea hostilities could pivot into a wider cessation of aggression.
China has refuted reports about potentially sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry clarified its stance against involvement, reinforcing diplomatic and economic support to Russia without military engagement.
Ukraine’s state railway operator suffered a major cyberattack on Sunday, complicating its digital infrastructure. Nevertheless, train schedules remained unaffected, demonstrating resilience against both physical and cyber assaults.
Concurrent with diplomatic efforts, Ukraine claimed responsibility for destroying Russian military assets using U.S. HIMARS systems, while Russia launched an attack on Sumy in Ukraine with significant civilian casualties reported. Efforts to deter Ukrainian defenses with 99 drones, of which 57 were neutralized, continued the cycle of violence.