Ukraine–US Talks in Riyadh: Summary and Context
In Riyadh, Ukraine and the United States conducted a round of talks on Sunday, March 23, that lasted about five hours with a short break. The discussions centered on concrete proposals to strengthen the safety of energy networks and critical infrastructure, with participants describing the session as constructive and a step toward practical safeguards.
The Ukrainian delegation was led by senior figures from the President’s Office and included the Foreign Minister and other top aides. Officials indicated the group stayed focused on tangible issues and avoided grand declarations. Public messaging from Kyiv suggested a favorable tone about the talks, while insiders noted a measured, results-oriented approach in private diplomacy.
According to briefings from Kyiv, the Ukrainian side did not reach a formal decision during the talks. Instead, they exchanged views on where to implement concrete measures and what assurances would be needed from the American side. The American delegation signaled openness to further discussions and follow-up sessions to address specific vulnerabilities in energy and infrastructure sectors.
The conversations in Riyadh stretched over several hours with a scheduled pause to review progress and align on the next steps. The Ukrainian participants described the session as very useful, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts with international partners to bolster resilience against shocks and to ensure the continuity of essential operations for civilians and industry alike.
In the broader security dialogue around this period, observers noted activity from other parties in the region. Reports indicated a Russian delegation had arrived in the Saudi capital and was preparing for its own meetings with American counterparts on the following morning, signaling a multi-track diplomatic environment during the same window. The day after, multiple channels were expected to continue discussions on different tracks as part of ongoing engagement.
Earlier, political observers warned about potential instability within Ukraine that could influence the pace and tone of external talks. The discussions remained focused on strengthening energy security and protecting critical infrastructure, underscoring the broader objective of resilience and steady cooperation with international partners.