U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine Conflict Scheduled in Saudi Arabia

U.S.-Russia talks on the Ukraine conflict will take place Monday in Saudi Arabia, led by seasoned negotiators from Russia. The focus will be on Black Sea navigation safety, following an agreement for a maritime ceasefire. This meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts amid heightened tensions.

U.S.-Russia negotiations regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are set to take place on Monday in Saudi Arabia. A Russian delegation, led by senior intelligence officer Sergei Beseda and former diplomat Grigory Karasin, will participate, as stated by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov. Both individuals were involved in the 2014 Ukraine crisis, marking their significance in these discussions.

The agenda for the upcoming Riyadh talks will prioritize safe navigation in the Black Sea. Ushakov confirmed his communication with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, which underscores the diplomatic efforts between the two nations. Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have agreed on “technical negotiations” for establishing a maritime ceasefire following a mutual decision to pause attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure for 30 days.

Karasin, who chairs the Federation Council’s international affairs committee, is notable for his role in negotiating ceasefire agreements during the 2015 talks, with France and Germany mediating. Beseda, known for his past intelligence operations, notably visited Kyiv amid Ukraine’s 2014 protests amidst claims from the FSB regarding his mission’s intent to secure diplomatic facilities.

Ushakov described the Russian delegation members as “experienced negotiators who are well-versed in international issues.” Their involvement is viewed as crucial given their comprehensive backgrounds in past negotiations. Initially, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff reported that the talks were set to occur in Jeddah, highlighting the fluctuating nature of diplomatic scheduling.

The scheduled U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia reflect ongoing efforts to address the Ukraine conflict, specifically focusing on maritime safety in the Black Sea. With seasoned negotiators participating, the outcome of these discussions may influence future diplomatic relations between the two countries. The commitment to engage in technical negotiations marks a critical step towards easing tensions in the region.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com