Ceasefire talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine will take place on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, according to US special envoy Steve Witkoff.
Speaking to Fox News on Tuesday, Witkoff confirmed the negotiations, which follow a lengthy phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, will push for a 30-day ceasefire as a first step toward a broader peace agreement.
Witkoff suggested that Russia had already agreed to pause attacks on Ukraine’s energy grid and limit military action in the Black Sea, adding, “I am certainly hopeful that the Ukrainians will agree to it.”
Despite the diplomatic efforts, Ukraine on Wednesday accused Russia of rejecting the ceasefire by launching new strikes on civilian infrastructure, just hours after Moscow pledged to halt attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector.
The Kremlin insists that any full ceasefire must be tied to Ukraine’s allies halting military aid.
Trump’s envoy commended Putin, saying the Russian leader had taken steps “to move his country closer to a final peace deal.”
However, Ukraine remains skeptical, with Kyiv insisting on broader guarantees beyond Russia’s selective terms.
With ceasefire negotiations set for Sunday, the world will be watching to see if diplomatic progress is made—or if the war continues to escalate.
