Riyadh Talks Conclude: U.S. and Ukraine Explore Pathways to Peace

The meeting between delegations from the United States and Ukraine aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict and securing critical infrastructure has concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, who led the Ukrainian delegation, reported that the discussions were both substantive and productive, with a primary focus on energy infrastructure, which is strategically vital for Kyiv amid continuing hostilities.

Umerov emphasized that the overarching objective remains to implement the vision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which seeks a fair and sustainable peace not only for Ukraine but for Europe as a whole. “We are working diligently to turn this goal into reality,” he stated, summarizing the key outcomes of the meeting.

The Ukrainian delegation included high-ranking officials, such as Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of the President’s Office, underscoring the significance of Kyiv’s representation at the talks. The U.S. delegation featured Michael Anton, Director of Policy Planning at the State Department, along with aides to Special Envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg and U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

This meeting was part of an active diplomatic initiative that began in March 2025 on Saudi soil. According to reports, negotiations started on March 23, focusing on developing tangible solutions to enhance Ukraine’s security. A significant portion of the discussions centered around protecting energy facilities, which have increasingly been targeted in recent months. Ukrainian officials have indicated that restoring this infrastructure requires substantial resources and international support, making consultations with the United States crucial.

In a related context, earlier discussions on February 18, 2025, took place between the United States and Russia in Riyadh, addressing bilateral relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicated that the U.S. administration planned to hold separate consultations with both Kyiv and Moscow to lay the groundwork for a potential ceasefire. During the March meeting, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to resuming military assistance and intelligence sharing, sending a significant message of support to Kyiv.