U.S. and Ukrainian delegations held talks in Saudi Arabia on protecting energy infrastructure amid ongoing conflict with Russia. Given a historical context, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff remains hopeful about resolving the war. Ukraine’s Defence Minister highlighted the constructive nature of discussions aimed at achieving a just peace.
On March 24, 2025, Ukrainian and U.S. delegations convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss strategies aimed at safeguarding energy facilities and critical infrastructure. This initiative is part of a broader diplomatic effort led by U.S. President Donald Trump to resolve the three-year conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
During the talks, which served as a precursor to upcoming discussions between U.S. and Russian officials, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about achieving a resolution to the conflict that has claimed numerous lives since it began. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine’s delegation was operating in a “completely constructive manner” and noted the discussions were progressing effectively.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, emphasized that the objective of these dialogues is to promote a “just peace” and enhance security in the region. However, both Zelenskyy and Umerov described the talks as predominantly technical in nature.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire involving mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure; however, skepticism remains, as both parties have reported ongoing hostilities despite this tentative agreement.
The meeting between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations in Saudi Arabia represents a significant diplomatic effort to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. Optimism expressed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and the constructive tone of discussions led by Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov reflect a potential path toward peace, although the recent ceasefire’s viability remains in question. Continued efforts are crucial in navigating the complexities of the situation.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com
