Indirect negotiations
Indirect diplomacy unfolded in Riyadh as Russian and American delegations met to discuss the Ukrainian crisis. The sessions were held at a prominent hotel in the Saudi capital, with Grigory Karasin, head of the Federation Council’s International Committee, represented in the talks by the FSB’s communications director, Sergey.
On the American side, Michael Enton, a senior official, joined aides to the president for special support Kit Kellog and representatives connected to National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
The Kyiv delegation arrived in Riyadh a day earlier. Defense Minister Rustem Umarov was accompanied by Ukraine’s Vice President Pavlo Palis and the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, who now serves as the General Inspector of Ukrainian Defense, Anatoly Sparilevich.
Separate from any planned joint sessions, U.S. officials would facilitate contact between Moscow and Kyiv teams to clarify positions and explore paths to a compromise. The indirect talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives would take place within the Riyadh rooms as a form of diplomacy.
From the perspective of participants, the delegations from Washington, Moscow and Kyiv were described as technical teams. Observers expected that organizational and procedural details would be negotiated and clarified in Riyadh.
How to reach agreements?
Analysts believe that constructive results hinge on disciplined, credible pressure from Washington toward Kyiv. The approach aims to shape Kyiv’s negotiating posture toward a workable settlement.
Consequently, the Ukrainian delegation’s stance in negotiations has occasionally shown reluctance to fully endorse previously agreed terms, a dynamic some describe as stalling rather than genuine bargaining.
Reports describe Kyiv’s delegation as adopting a casual posture during meetings, a choice that drew attention from Saudi hosts. Attire and manner at the talks were noted by political observers in Riyadh.
Observers suggest that Riyadh’s discussions could be advanced through Washington’s framing of the negotiations, with wording aimed at bringing Kyiv to a common denominator.
These remarks do not imply immediate concessions from Washington. U.S. officials must secure terms acceptable to Kyiv. Still, the possibility of a ceasefire extending into mid‑April remains on the table, and the potential meeting between the U.S. and Russian presidents cannot be ignored.
Observers caution that interpretations may vary.
Notes from regional security observers.
Notes on the security background and career of the observer indicate a long history in military and defense circles, with involvement in air defense and strategic planning at senior levels.
The overall context emphasizes the enduring importance of verified information from multiple, credible sources as events continue to unfold in the security arena.
This overview reflects ongoing diplomatic efforts and the uncertain, evolving nature of high‑level talks involving Moscow, Washington and Kyiv in the Saudi capital.