Efforts to bring an end to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine are gaining momentum. On Sunday, delegations from Ukraine and the United States met in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to protect Ukraine’s energy facilities and other key infrastructure, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. The discussions were part of a broader diplomatic push supported by former U.S. President Donald Trump to end the conflict, which has now lasted over three years.
A Step Toward Peace Talks
The meeting on Sunday was just ahead of another round of discussions planned between the U.S. and Russian officials on Monday. These talks are being seen as a serious effort to work toward peace in Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope, saying, “I feel that [President] Putin wants peace.” He added that Monday’s discussions may lead to progress on a Black Sea ceasefire, which could then lead to a broader truce.
Ukraine Remains Cautious but Hopeful
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the talks were constructive. However, he made it clear that a real ceasefire can only happen if Russian President Vladimir Putin gives a direct order to stop the attacks.
“The conversation is quite useful, the work of the delegations is continuing,” Zelenskyy said. “But no matter what we say to our partners today, we need Putin to stop the strikes.”
Temporary Ceasefire Still in Doubt
Last week, President Putin agreed to Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, specifically stopping attacks on energy-related infrastructure. However, that temporary agreement has already come under doubt as both sides reported ongoing strikes.
On Sunday, a Russian drone attack on Kyiv killed at least three people, including a 5-year-old child. Buildings caught fire, and parts of the Ukrainian capital were badly damaged.
At the same time, Russian officials claimed their air defenses had shot down 59 Ukrainian drones aimed at Russia’s southwestern regions. One person was reported dead in Rostov.
Trump, Zelenskyy, and the Push for a Broader Truce
Despite the shaky start to the ceasefire, President Zelenskyy has shown support for Trump’s proposal, hoping it could lead to a more stable and peaceful situation.
Trump said on Saturday that the situation was “somewhat under control,” and Bloomberg News reported that the U.S. is hoping to secure a broader ceasefire agreement by April 20.
Mike Waltz, the White House National Security Adviser, said that current talks include ideas like confidence-building steps, discussions on frontline control, and plans for peacekeeping.
Concerns from European Allies
However, not everyone is comfortable with the way things are going. European leaders, especially from Britain and France, are worried that Trump’s backdoor talks with Putin could result in a deal that ignores Europe’s security interests.
They fear that peace talks might turn into a wider deal involving oil, the Middle East, and competition with China. European nations are now boosting their own military spending, trying to rely less on the U.S.
Witkoff tried to calm these concerns, saying, “I don’t think Putin wants to take all of Europe. This is not like World War Two.”
Conclusion: Hope on the Horizon, But Challenges Remain
Talks between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia may be a small step toward ending the devastating war, but peace is not guaranteed yet. With lives still being lost and both sides launching strikes, the road to a permanent ceasefire remains difficult.
However, the discussions show that world leaders are willing to sit down and try to find solutions. While some European countries remain cautious, the possibility of a peaceful end to the war offers hope to millions caught in the middle of the conflict.