Talks between the United States and Russia aimed at negotiating a potential ceasefire in Ukraine began Monday in Riyadh, according to Russian state news agency TASS.

The closed-door meeting, which follows a separate U.S.-Ukraine dialogue held a day earlier in the Saudi capital, marks a new phase in Washington’s efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

The U.S. delegation is led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior State Department official, a source told Reuters. Representing Russia are Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and Sergei Beseda, an advisor to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB).

Journalists were asked to leave the hotel hosting the talks, signaling a confidential format for the sensitive negotiations, Ukraine’s Suspilne news outlet reported.

The talks come as part of a broader initiative spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump, who has renewed efforts to broker a ceasefire deal and a possible long-term peace agreement. The Riyadh discussions are reportedly focusing on a temporary truce in the Black Sea region and a broader 30-day ceasefire covering ground operations and infrastructure.

The U.S. previously held a meeting with Ukrainian officials in Riyadh on March 23, which President Volodymyr Zelensky described as “constructive and beneficial.” That meeting explored the prospects for a synchronized halt in hostilities, especially mutual suspensions of strikes on energy infrastructure.

Following phone calls between President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and President Zelensky last week, the Kremlin announced a unilateral 30-day pause in strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid. However, Kyiv has since accused Moscow of violating the pause with continued attacks, casting doubt on the durability of Russia’s commitment.

While both Washington and Kyiv support a broader 30-day truce that would encompass frontline fighting, Moscow has resisted such a proposal. The Kremlin has reportedly demanded a halt to foreign military support for Ukraine and other terms that Kyiv says would undermine its defense capabilities.

Another round of U.S.-Ukraine discussions is expected to follow the U.S.-Russia talks. With Riyadh emerging as a new diplomatic venue for Ukraine peace efforts, the international community watches closely to see if the negotiations will lead to a meaningful pause in fighting or mark the start of a longer-term resolution. (ILKHA)