Optimistic signals after 12 hours of negotiations between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia

US and Russian officials have ended 12 hours of talks in the Saudi capital Riyadh aimed at securing a partial ceasefire in Ukraine.

The talks focused on a narrow proposal involving only a maritime ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, part of a diplomatic push the United States hopes will pave the way for broader peace talks, Reuters reported.

US and Russian officials attend talks at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 18, 2025

The talks focused on trying to reach a ceasefire in the Black Sea, and were seen by Washington as a step forward in US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the three-year war.

A White House source expressed optimism about the talks in Saudi Arabia. "The negotiations being facilitated by the Trump administration's technical teams in Riyadh are going extremely well, with all parties involved working day and night. We hope to have a positive announcement in the near future," a White House source said.

Meanwhile, RIA news agency reported that when asked about their mood after the end of the negotiations, the Russian delegation only replied briefly: "Good".

A Russian source told Reuters that the talks ended late on March 24 and a draft joint statement had been sent to Moscow and Washington for approval. It is expected to be released on March 25.

Mr. Trump said Ukraine and Russia are negotiating to divide the territory, and a ceasefire is imminent.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier that no document would be signed, according to TASS news agency.

In an interview with the press, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on March 24 emphasized that Russia still maintains the temporary ceasefire order against Ukraine's energy infrastructure, despite Kyiv continuing to attack Moscow's energy targets. Meanwhile, Ukraine still accuses Russia of violating the temporary ceasefire order against energy facilities and believes that an official document on this issue needs to be signed.

Russia on March 18 agreed to temporarily halt attacks on Ukrainian energy targets for a month, on condition that Kyiv does not continue to mobilize troops and rearm.

In another development, President Trump said on March 24 that he hoped a revenue-sharing agreement between the US and Ukraine on the exploitation of Kyiv’s key minerals would be signed soon. Mr. Trump also revealed that the US is discussing the possibility of US companies owning power plants in Ukraine.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tin-hieu-lac-quan-sau-12-gio-dam-phan-cua-my-nga-tai-a-rap-xe-ut-185250325093240986.htm