In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a lengthy session of talks between Russian and US representatives has concluded, focusing on efforts to secure a partial ceasefire in Ukraine. The negotiations, spanning over 12 hours, aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with a joint statement outlining the outcomes expected to be released on the following day.

Following the discussions in Riyadh, US officials are set to engage in further dialogues with Ukrainian negotiators, as confirmed by a senior Ukrainian government source. US President Donald Trump expressed anticipation for finalizing a revenue-sharing agreement with Ukraine concerning critical minerals, alongside exploring the possibility of American companies acquiring Ukrainian power facilities.

The primary agenda of the US-Russia talks centered on halting assaults on Black Sea shipping, with the broader objective of initiating a comprehensive ceasefire to conclude the longstanding Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, who led his country’s delegation, described the talks as productive, particularly emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilian and energy infrastructure.

Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Kyiv highlighted Ukraine’s keen interest in securing a deal to safeguard Black Sea shipping, notably emphasizing the necessity to cease shelling at Ukrainian ports such as Odesa, Kherson, and Mykolaiv. The protection of these ports stands as a critical priority for Ukraine to ensure their uninterrupted operation.

In a significant development, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed discussions between US and Russian officials regarding the potential revival of the 2022 Black Sea Grain Initiative, an agreement initially aimed at facilitating Ukraine’s export of grain and food products. The initiative, previously brokered by Turkiye and the United Nations, saw Russia’s withdrawal in 2023 due to perceived breaches of commitments by Western nations concerning sanctions on Russian agricultural exports.

Despite cautious optimism, no major breakthroughs were anticipated from the talks. The Russian Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, tempered expectations, indicating a focus on delineating Russia’s demands. The protracted negotiations signified Russia’s inclination towards presenting additional requests, reflecting the prevailing lack of trust and minimal prospects for direct dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv.

The emphasis on the Black Sea issue signifies a shift towards a more targeted approach, diverging from the broader 30-day ceasefire proposal previously suggested by the US. Recent engagements between the leaders of Russia and Ukraine resulted in a temporary ceasefire agreement, albeit marred by accusations of continued attacks on energy infrastructure by both sides.

Amidst ongoing hostilities, skepticism looms among major European powers regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to make substantial concessions. Putin’s insistence on Ukraine renouncing its NATO aspirations and withdrawing troops from disputed regions underscores the challenging nature of the negotiations, characterized by maximalist demands from the Russian side.

The talks unfolded against a backdrop of escalating violence, with Russia launching consecutive air attacks on Kyiv, causing casualties and significant damage to residential areas. Ukrainian authorities condemned the attacks, underscoring the necessity for diplomatic efforts to be supported by robust measures to deter further aggression.

Furthermore, a cyberattack targeting Ukraine’s state railway service underscored the persistent efforts to destabilize the situation, with Russia purportedly involved in such disruptive activities. The escalating tensions were exacerbated by additional incidents, including drone attacks and defensive actions in Crimea, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the conflict.

In conclusion, the marathon talks in Riyadh underscore the intricate dynamics and challenges inherent in resolving the Ukraine conflict, necessitating sustained diplomatic efforts and a multi-faceted approach to address the underlying complexities and achieve lasting peace in the region.