US and Russia Initiate Key Negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Ceasefire Agreement
US and Russian officials began talks in Riyadh focused on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and establishing a control line. The US delegation, following previous consultations with Ukraine, aims to develop oversight measures and address humanitarian concerns. However, tensions remain as negotiations coincide with ongoing military actions by Russia.
On March 24, US and Russian representatives initiated another round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following consultations with the Ukrainian delegation the prior day. Pro-Kremlin media indicated that the meeting was closed to journalists, who were reportedly asked to vacate The Ritz-Carlton hotel venue where discussions are being conducted.
The negotiations focus primarily on achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea, which would facilitate free navigation in the region. According to Reuters, following discussions with Ukraine on March 23, the US delegation aims to meet with Russian representatives to solidify this agreement. The White House reported that establishing a control line between the conflicting parties, alongside measures for oversight and peacekeeping, will also be central topics.
The US delegation is led by Andrew Peek, from the National Security Council, and Michael Anton from the State Department. Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin of the Federation Council and General Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the FSB’s head and former operational intelligence head.
These talks are part of a broader strategy of “shuttle diplomacy,” where US officials engage separately with Ukrainian and Russian delegations. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry officials indicated no direct communication between Ukraine and Russia is anticipated for this round. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov characterized the previous five-hour US-Ukraine meeting as constructive, addressing various technical issues, including energy infrastructure protection.
The negotiations occur in the context of a proposed 30-day comprehensive ceasefire championed by Donald Trump, conditional upon Russia’s agreement. Although Ukraine is in favor, the Kremlin has only acknowledged a temporary halt in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure while continuing aerial strikes on Ukrainian cities. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced Russia’s actions, emphasizing the ongoing conflict despite the call for an unconditional ceasefire proposed on March 11, 2025.
In summary, US and Russia commenced critical negotiations in Riyadh aimed at achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea and discussing oversight and confidence-building measures. The discussions involve key representatives from both nations, highlighting the complex geopolitical dynamics at play. Amidst ongoing hostilities, the viability of a comprehensive ceasefire remains contingent on cooperation from both sides, especially from Russia, which has shown reluctance to fully commit to peace initiatives.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
