Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said the peace talks between his country and the United States on Sunday were “productive and focused,” as the two countries and Russia continue to work to secure a ceasefire in the war.
Delegations for all three countries agreed to continue ceasefire negotiations this week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after President Donald Trump held separate phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Negotiations would include the Sunday meeting between Ukraine and the U.S. and a separate meeting between the U.S. and Russia, with more meetings likely.
Earlier Sunday, Umerov previewed that the peace talks would include “proposals to protect energy facilities and critical infrastructure,” while following Zelensky’s “directive to bring a just peace closer and to strengthen security.”
After the meeting, the defense minister said those discussions on energy were “productive and focused” as Ukraine has questioned Russia’s sincerity in implementing a 30-day ceasefire on energy and civilian infrastructure following recent attacks on the southern port city of Odesa. Russia has also claimed Ukraine violated the ceasefire after an explosion and fire at a gas pipeline in the Sudzha region.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
While both sides continue to trade fire, the U.S. has attempted to balance both sides’ demands in a ceasefire over the past week. In his call with Trump, Zelensky approved of the U.S.’s proposal for a ceasefire on energy and other civilian infrastructure and an “unconditional ceasefire on the frontline,” while also pressing Trump for more air defense systems. Putin, meanwhile, was not favorable toward the initial ceasefire proposal the U.S. and Ukraine drafted, while agreeing to continue negotiations in the Middle East.
The Monday meeting between the U.S. and Russia will “mainly” focus on reviving the Black Sea grain initiative, the Kremlin said.
