U.S. negotiators met with Russian representatives on Monday to discuss a proposed partial ceasefire in Ukraine, a day after holding separate talks with Ukraine’s delegation. Both Kyiv and Moscow have accused each other of undermining efforts to reach a temporary pause in the three-year-old war.
The negotiations follow last week’s agreement in principle between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump. However, the two sides remain divided on the scope of the ceasefire, particularly over which targets would be off-limits.
The White House says the agreement should cover "energy and infrastructure."
The Kremlin insists it only applies to "energy infrastructure."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for railways and ports to be included.
Monday’s talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aim to resolve these disputes and discuss a possible pause in Black Sea hostilities to safeguard commercial shipping.
Diplomatic Talks and Military Clashes Continue
U.S. and Russian representatives met in the Saudi capital Monday morning, according to Russian news agencies Tass and RIA-Novosti. The Ukrainian delegation remained in Riyadh, expecting further discussions with the U.S.
Grigory Karasin, head of Russia’s foreign affairs committee, described the negotiations as progressing in a “creative way”, saying both sides "understand each other’s views."
However, military tensions remain high, with both Ukraine and Russia launching cross-border attacks:
Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an oil pumping station in southern Russia, which serves a major export pipeline.
Zelenskyy says Putin's vow on Ukraine's energy infrastructure unrealistic
Ukraine rejected the accusation, claiming Russia itself had shelled a gas metering station in Kursk to blame Kyiv.
Zelenskyy insisted Russia was the aggressor, stating:
"Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table. But it is Russia that continues all this.”
He urged the U.S., Europe, and allies to intensify pressure on Moscow to halt the attacks.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed cautious optimism on Fox News, predicting that a pause in Black Sea hostilities could lead to a broader ceasefire.
China Denies Sending Peacekeepers
Amid speculation that China might deploy peacekeepers to Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun firmly denied the reports:
“Let me stress that the report is completely false. China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is clear and consistent.”
While China has provided economic and diplomatic support to Russia, it has not sent weapons or personnel. However, North Korea—an ally of China—has reportedly deployed troops to assist Russian forces.
Cyberattack Hits Ukrainian Railways
Ukraine’s state railway operator Ukrzaliznytsia suffered a massive cyberattack on Sunday, disrupting its online booking system. The company reassured passengers that train operations were unaffected, stating:
"The railway continues to operate despite physical attacks on the infrastructure, and even the most vile cyberattacks cannot stop it."
Trump, Putin to seek limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine war
Fresh Strikes on Both Sides
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces claimed to have destroyed four Russian military helicopters in the Belgorod region using U.S.-supplied HIMARS rockets. Drone footage of the attack was posted online.
Russia launched a missile strike on Sumy, northern Ukraine, hitting residential buildings and a school. Officials said 28 people were injured, including four children.
Ukraine’s air force reported 99 Russian attack and decoy drones were launched overnight, 57 of which were intercepted.
What’s Next?
If the Constitutional Court upholds Yoon’s impeachment, South Korea must hold a presidential election. If overturned, Yoon will regain his powers.
Meanwhile, Trump’s mediation efforts continue amid skepticism, as Russia conditions a full ceasefire on Ukraine halting military mobilization and receiving no Western weapons—demands that Kyiv and its allies reject outright.
Source: With input from agency