On March 24, US and Russian officials initiated negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea. The discussions follow previous consultations with Ukrainian representatives, focusing on oversight measures and the repatriation of abducted Ukrainian children. The talks are led by senior officials from each nation, reflecting ongoing complexities in international relations related to the conflict.
On March 24, representatives from the United States and Russia commenced a new round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this meeting, US officials had consulted with Ukrainian representatives. The discussions are deemed confidential, as pro-Kremlin sources reported that journalists were requested to vacate The Ritz-Carlton hotel, the venue for the negotiations.
The primary focus of the US-Russia discussions is to negotiate a ceasefire in the Black Sea, facilitating safe navigation amidst ongoing conflict. Reports from Reuters indicate that following prior discussions with Ukraine, the US aims to engage Russian officials in a bid to establish this ceasefire. An additional agenda item includes the establishment of a “control line,” incorporating oversight and peacekeeping measures. The discussions are also expected to address measures for “confidence-building,” particularly concerning the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
Leading the US delegation are Andrew Peek, Senior Director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior official in the State Department. From the Russian side, Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and General Sergey Beseda, Advisor to the FSB’s Head, represent Russia’s interests.
These negotiations follow a five-hour session held with the Ukrainian delegation on March 23. A member of the Ukrainian team, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, characterized the talks as substantive, tackling various important subjects related to energy and critical infrastructure security. While US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg indicated that both Ukrainian and Russian discussions would occur separately as part of “shuttle diplomacy,” the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry does not anticipate direct Ukraine-Russia interactions at this time.
The backdrop of these discussions involves attempts by Donald Trump to establish a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine is conditional to Russia’s agreement. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Russia has only indicated a temporary cessation of assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while continuing aerial attacks on other urban areas. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remarked that although a ceasefire was proposed on March 11, 2025, Russia continues its military campaign, extending the conflict.
In summary, the latest round of US-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia aims to forge a ceasefire in the Black Sea and improve diplomatic relations amidst ongoing hostilities. Led by high-level officials from both nations, the talks underscore the complexities involved, particularly regarding oversight measures and humanitarian concerns. Diplomatic endeavors coincide with broader geopolitical maneuvers, including ceasefire proposals made by Donald Trump, amidst Russia’s continued military actions.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
