Ukraine says it had ‘productive’ talks with US in Saudi Arabia

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine held “productive” talks with a US delegation in Saudi Arabia, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said Sunday.

“We have concluded our meeting with the American team. The discussion was productive and focused — we addressed key points, including energy,” Umerov wrote on X.

He reiterated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s goal of securing a “just and lasting peace” for Ukraine, emphasizing its broader significance for European stability.

“We are working to make that goal a reality,” he added.

The meeting in Riyadh precedes further discussions between US and Russian delegations aimed at negotiating a ceasefire to end the three-year conflict.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about achieving peace, potentially starting with a Black Sea ceasefire, though continued strikes from both sides have cast doubt on progress.