U.S. and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a Black Sea maritime ceasefire, following drone attacks between Kyiv and Moscow. The discussions aim to ensure safe navigation and precede a broader ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. Despite a moratorium on energy attacks, skepticism remains about Russia’s commitment to peace. Key U.S. officials participated in the negotiations, focusing on maritime security and stability in bilateral relations.
On Monday, U.S. and Russian officials convened in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a Black Sea maritime ceasefire, envisioned as a precursor to a broader ceasefire agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. These discussions followed U.S. negotiations with Ukraine the preceding day, amidst continued drone strikes between Moscow and Kyiv. Russia’s overnight air assaults, which injured one individual and caused property damage around Kyiv, marked the third consecutive night of such attacks.
In the past 24 hours, Russian forces reported the downing of 227 Ukrainian drones. Firefighters have been combating a blaze in Russia’s Krasnodar region, ignited by a Ukrainian drone strike last week on an oil depot. U.S. President Donald Trump is actively pursuing measures to end the prolonged conflict and has communicated with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The primary goal of the discussions in Saudi Arabia is to establish a maritime ceasefire over the Black Sea. This would facilitate safe navigation for shipping amid recent military calm in the region. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that this topic centers on “the safety of navigation,” reflecting dissatisfaction with a previous shipping agreement from 2022 that did not meet Moscow’s expectations.
The negotiations in Saudi Arabia aim to address specific maritime concerns rather than a broader 30-day ceasefire initially proposed by the U.S. There remain doubts regarding Russia’s willingness to agree to significant pauses in fighting. Nevertheless, during the conflict, Ukraine has successfully conducted maritime exports despite Russian attacks on its ports since 2022.
Despite continued Russian hostilities, Ukraine’s exports of grain and minerals have proceeded from its Odesa region; however, the port of Mykolaiv has remained non-operational. Zelenskiy has urged European leaders to support maritime and aerial truce negotiations. The U.S. delegation to the Saudi talks included Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, with Russia represented by key officials Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda. Karasin reported progress on specific bilateral issues following an extensive meeting.
President Trump has expressed confidence regarding the negotiations but skepticism exists among European powers concerning Putin’s readiness to yield to compromises, as he continues to assert his conditions for peace. Among these stipulations is Ukraine’s abandonment of NATO aspirations and a full withdrawal of troops from four claimed territories.
Amidst ongoing tensions, the Kremlin announced its adherence to a 30-day moratorium on attacks targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, stated by Putin in discussions with Trump. Ukraine has expressed willingness to agree to a ceasefire only if formal documentation is established, accusing Russia of violating its own moratoriums. In Saudi Arabia, talks may also address broader peacekeeping issues and confidence-building measures, including the return of displaced Ukrainian children since the onset of the conflict.
U.S. and Russian officials are engaged in critical talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, which could pave the way for a broader ceasefire in Ukraine. The need for maritime safety has emerged amid a backdrop of continued drone strikes and military activity. While progress has been reported, skepticism persists regarding Russia’s willingness to make concessions necessary for lasting peace.
Original Source: www.marinelink.com
