US and Russia Meet in Riyadh to Discuss Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Conflict

Representatives from the United States and Russia convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, March 24, to discuss a potential ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Discussions, which began the previous day, are reportedly focused on a partial cessation of hostilities, particularly concerning energy infrastructure. The Ukrainian delegation is headed by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, while Russia is represented by Senator Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, an advisor to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Despite diplomatic efforts, Russian forces continue to conduct strikes on Ukrainian cities and villages. Kyiv experienced a large-scale drone attack over the weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated calls for increased air defense systems and support from Western nations. Zelensky stated that Russia rejected a ceasefire proposed on March 11, prolonging the conflict. The agenda for the Riyadh meetings also includes the potential resumption of the Black Sea grain deal, which previously facilitated Ukrainian grain exports crucial for global food security at the beginning of the conflict in February 2022.