Tense Talks in Riyadh: US, Russia, and Ukraine Discuss Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Strikes

In Riyadh, US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials held separate meetings to negotiate a partial ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Talks focused on safe shipping in the Black Sea and potential resumption of Ukrainian grain exports. Despite diplomatic efforts, cross-border strikes between Russia and Ukraine continue, impacting civilians.

Amid rising tensions, US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials conducted separate meetings in Riyadh on Tuesday, attempting to negotiate a partial ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict now in its third year. These discussions followed US negotiators' Sunday talks with Ukrainian counterparts in a bid to halt hostilities.

A Kremlin official noted that Monday's talks between US and Russian officials could pave the way for further dialogue, although no concrete plans are established. The meetings, lasting three days, aim to formulate a ceasefire agreement, despite ongoing drone and missile attacks from both sides.

The Kremlin and the White House have differing interpretations of what a ceasefire would include, though they both back safe shipping in the Black Sea. Additional discussions focused on a potential revival of a 2022 grain export deal. Meanwhile, cross-border strikes continue, exacerbating the situation for civilians in affected regions.

(With inputs from agencies.)