US-Ukraine talks in Riyadh: What was agreed?

During technical discussions in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Ukraine settled on measures to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and protect energy infrastructure, though no major breakthroughs were achieved in resolving the broader conflict.

Talks between Russia and U.S. about ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 24 March 2025.

Photo: RUSSIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY PRESS SERVICE/PAP/EPA

According to AFP News Agency, the discussions, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict, saw no breakthrough, with Russia insisting that the US take a more active role in directing Ukraine's negotiations on the Black Sea issue.

#UPDATE No deal has emerged from Washington's talks with both Kyiv and Moscow in Saudi Arabia on any ceasefire after three years of fighting, with Russia demanding that the US "order" Kyiv to enter a new deal on the Black Sea ➡️ https://t.co/QMMRZT9fV9 pic.twitter.com/R28Emwbhwr

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 25, 2025

Key outcomes of US-Ukraine talks in Riyadh

The United States and Ukraine reached agreements on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea and protecting energy infrastructure during talks in Riyadh, the White House announced on its official website.

They also committed to facilitating prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children. The White House emphasized its commitment to lasting peace and thanked Saudi Arabia for hosting the discussions.

Technical talks on ceasefire and Black Sea

Public broadcaster Polish Radio's IAR news agency states that the Americans referred to the talks in Riyadh as "technical."

The discussions focused on clarifying the terms for halting attacks on energy infrastructure and extending the ceasefire to the Black Sea.

On Sunday, U.S. representatives met with Ukrainian officials, and on Monday, they spoke with Russian delegates.

No joint statement after 12 hours of discussions

Earlier, Reuters reported, citing Russian politician Vladimir Chizhov, that Russia and the United States did not issue a joint statement after 12 hours of talks on Monday in the capital of Saudi Arabia.

The Kremlin stated that the discussions focused on Russia’s return to the grain initiative, but no agreement was reached.

U.S. meeting with Ukrainian delegation lasts just one hour

Today, the Americans held another meeting with the Ukrainian delegation, which lasted only one hour, according to sources from Kyiv. Washington has not commented on the outcome of the meeting.

Calls grow for tougher sanctions on Russia

In the U.S., there are calls for the White House to increase pressure on Russia by imposing additional significant sanctions. President Donald Trump, however, is reluctant to take this action.

On Friday, in response to a question from Polish Radio, Trump stated that "Russia already has plenty of sanctions."

Na moje pytanie dlaczego nie nakłada sankcji na Rosję po tym, jak Putin odrzucił jego propozycję zawieszenia broni, prezydent Trump odpowiedział, że Rosja objęta już jest objęta poważnymi sankcjami. Nie zgodził się też, że Putin odrzucił jego propozycję rozejmu. @PR24_pl pic.twitter.com/fyOvvk1ibV

— M. Wałkuski „Zakamarki Białego Domu” (@Marekwalkuski) March 21, 2025

(m p)

Source: IAR/PAP/AFP/Reuters/X/@PR24_pl/@Marekwalkuski