U.S.-Russia Negotiations on Ukraine Set for Monday in Saudi Arabia

U.S.-Russia negotiations on Ukraine will continue in Saudi Arabia, led by experienced diplomats. The talks will address maritime safety in the Black Sea, following agreements on a ceasefire. Key figures include Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, known for their roles in past negotiations and the 2014 crisis.

Negotiations between the United States and Russia regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine are set to continue on Monday in Saudi Arabia. The Russian delegation attending the talks will be led by a prominent intelligence officer and a former diplomat engaged in the 2014 Ukraine crisis, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.

The discussions, taking place in Riyadh, will center on ensuring safe navigation within the Black Sea. Ushakov confirmed that he communicated via phone with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz to facilitate these negotiations.

The White House announced a mutual agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin to conduct technical negotiations concerning a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, which follows Putin’s commitment to a 30-day pause in attacks focused on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The Russian delegation will include Grigory Karasin, the chairman of the Federation Council’s foreign affairs committee, and Sergei Beseda, advisor to the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Ushakov highlighted Karasin’s experience in negotiating ceasefire agreements in 2015, mediated by France and Germany.

Beseda has a notable background, marked by his presence during the 2014 protests in Kyiv, with his trip purportedly aimed at safeguarding Russian diplomatic facilities. Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, there were reports from investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov suggesting that Beseda experienced a temporary fall from grace but was later reinstated. Ushakov emphasized the expertise of these negotiators in international affairs.

Initially, U.S. President Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, reported that the U.S.-Russia discussions were scheduled for Sunday in Jeddah.

The forthcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia signify a new phase in negotiations concerning the war in Ukraine, focusing on maritime safety. The involvement of seasoned diplomats such as Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda underscores the importance of experienced negotiation teams in addressing international conflicts. The discussions aim to bridge differences and enhance safety in the Black Sea region amidst ongoing tensions.

Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com