Riyadh: Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustam Umyrov announced the commencement of a meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh. The gathering comes just one day before scheduled talks with Russian representatives.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, CBS News correspondent Jennifer Jacobs reported that informed sources revealed the US technical team’s plan to engage with Ukrainian representatives in the Saudi capital. The agenda includes proposals to protect energy facilities and critical infrastructure. Umyrov highlighted on his X account that the discussions would cover complex technical issues, with the Ukrainian delegation comprising energy experts and military representatives.

Previously, Russian Presidential Assistant Yuri Ushakov stated that expert-level meetings between Russia and the United States are slated for March 24 in Riyadh. Russian officials Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda will partake in the talks, which aim to address the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative.

Last month, high-level Russian-American talks in Riyadh resulted in an agreement to foster conditions for renewed cooperation, lift embassy work restrictions, and form working groups to address the Ukrainian crisis. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized Washington’s objective of achieving a permanent resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

In a recent telephone conversation, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump explored potential resolutions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including a 30-day ceasefire, de-escalation conditions, and various international concerns.