A United States delegation led by real estate tycoon-turned-diplomat Steve Witkoff has begun a high-stakes meeting with Kremlin negotiators in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where the Trump administration is pushing for a ceasefire in separate talks with Russia and Ukraine.

U.S. and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday aimed at making progress towards a broad ceasefire in Ukraine.

Moscow sees economic and geopolitical benefits in humoring President Trump’s push for a cease-fire in Ukraine. But the Kremlin’s war aims haven’t shifted.

The U.S. is hoping for a broader cease-fire between Moscow and Kyiv covering the Black Sea in negotiations starting in Saudi Arabia.

The chief negotiator for the United States in talks between Russia and Ukraine in their ongoing war has said any chance at a peace deal has stalled out as the fate of territory taken by Moscow—including Crimea—remains a significant sticking point for both sides.

The Trump administration is set to meet with both Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff says he doesn't think Russian President Vladimir Putin has ambitions to invade Europe.