Riyadh (International News) – Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has stated that the latest round of talks between Ukrainian and American officials in Riyadh has been productive.
According to Arab News, in a statement shared on social media, Umerov said, “We have concluded our discussions with the U.S. delegation. The talks were focused and fruitful, covering key issues, including energy. Ukraine is committed to turning its vision of a just and sustainable peace into reality.”
He further mentioned that Sunday’s discussions revolved around proposals for protecting energy installations and critical infrastructure, which form part of U.S. President Donald Trump’s diplomatic efforts to end the three-year-long war.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia, which took place ahead of formal negotiations between U.S. and Russian delegations, comes at a time when U.S. special envoy Steve Whitcoff has expressed optimism about the possibility of ending what is considered Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II. “I believe that (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants peace,” Whitcoff said. “I think you are going to see real progress in Saudi Arabia, particularly towards a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which could naturally lead to a full cessation of hostilities.”
Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that Washington is engaged in multiple confidence-building measures aimed at bringing the war to an end.
Announcing the commencement of the Riyadh talks earlier, Ukrainian Defense Minister Umerov, who led his country’s delegation, had posted on Facebook, “Following the directives of Ukraine’s president, we are working towards fostering a just peace and strengthening security.”
