US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire End Amid Fresh Fighting

A 12-hour meeting between Russian and U.S. officials on a partial ceasefire in Ukraine concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to Russian state media. However, as the talks wrapped up, both sides reported fresh attacks. In Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, a missile strike on Monday wounded nearly 90 people, including 17 children, President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed. The attack targeted a densely populated residential area, damaging apartments and an educational facility, with a local hospital also affected.

Meanwhile, Russian media reported that two journalists and their driver were killed in a strike in the "zone of the special military operation," Moscow’s term for its ongoing offensive in Ukraine.

President Donald Trump, who has been advocating for a swift end to the three-year conflict, expressed hope that the Saudi talks would lead to a breakthrough. The Ukrainian delegation remained in Riyadh for further meetings, signaling potential progress. A source close to the Ukrainian team indicated that another round of talks was expected, while Russian news agency TASS reported that the discussions had lasted over 12 hours. A joint statement on the outcomes of the meeting is expected to be released Tuesday.

Earlier this month, a previous round of talks in Jeddah saw Ukraine agree to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire, but the proposal was rejected by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Now, discussions are focusing on the possible resumption of the Black Sea Initiative, an agreement that had allowed Ukrainian grain exports to flow through its ports. "The issue of the Black Sea Initiative and its renewal is on the agenda today," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated, confirming that this was a key topic raised by President Trump during the talks.

Though initially planned as simultaneous talks with both U.S.-Ukraine and U.S.-Russia delegations, the discussions are now taking place one after the other. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, leading the negotiations on Kyiv’s behalf, called Sunday’s talks with U.S. officials "productive and focused."

Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed optimism, stating that the discussions could pave the way for a broader ceasefire, particularly regarding Black Sea shipping. "I think you're going to see real progress in Saudi Arabia, especially regarding a ceasefire on ships, which could naturally lead to a broader ceasefire," Witkoff told Fox News.

However, the Kremlin downplayed expectations of a quick resolution. "We are only at the beginning of this path," Peskov told Russian state TV, emphasizing that tough negotiations lie ahead. Earlier, Putin rejected a full 30-day ceasefire and proposed a halt in attacks on energy facilities instead.

The Black Sea Initiative, originally brokered by Turkey and the United Nations in 2022, had been suspended by Russia in 2023, accusing the West of not fulfilling promises to ease sanctions on Russian agricultural exports. Ukraine is expected to propose a broader ceasefire covering energy infrastructure, naval strikes, and other key facilities.

Before the negotiations, both sides launched fresh drone attacks. Ukraine also reported a sophisticated cyberattack on its national railway system for the second consecutive day.

The discussions come after a period of increased cooperation between Washington and Moscow under Trump’s influence, which has bolstered Russia’s confidence. Peskov highlighted the potential for "mutually beneficial cooperation" between the two nations, despite ongoing disagreements.

As the talks unfolded, British and French defense officials met in London to discuss how to safeguard any potential ceasefire agreement. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposed "coalition of the willing" may see British and French troops deployed to help maintain peace, should a deal be reached. "If there is a deal, it’s a deal that has to be defended," said Starmer's spokesperson.