The war between Ukraine and Russia has raged on since February 2022, when Russian forces launched a full-scale invasion. Now, after more than three years of conflict, the U.S. is ramping up efforts to help broker a ceasefire and bring the war to an end.

As part of these efforts, American and Ukrainian officials recently met in Saudi Arabia for negotiations reportedly lasting eight hours. The meeting appeared to be productive—far more so than the tense White House discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump last month.

Following the talks, the U.S. and Ukraine released a joint statement outlining their goal of securing a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. Trump later reinforced this stance, warning that there would be severe repercussions if Moscow refused to comply.

“We could do things very bad for Russia,” Trump told reporters. “Would be devastating for Russia. But I don’t want to do that because I want to see peace.”

In addition to seeking a ceasefire, the U.S. also pledged to resume military aid and security assistance to Ukraine. However, final decisions regarding a potential raw minerals trade deal remain undecided.