U.S. and Russia Initiate Negotiations in Riyadh on Ceasefire Agreement
U.S. and Russian representatives began negotiations in Riyadh on March 24, following talks with Ukraine. The primary focus is a ceasefire in the Black Sea, alongside discussions on oversight and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. The talks involve key officials from both nations as they navigate the ongoing conflict and proposals for peace.
On March 24, representatives from the United States and Russia commenced a new round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This meeting follows previous consultations with Ukrainian representatives, which were held on March 23. Details indicate that the proceedings are closed to the media, as journalists were reportedly asked to vacate the Ritz-Carlton hotel venue where discussions are taking place.
The primary focus of these discussions is to facilitate an agreement between the U.S., Ukrainian, and Russian parties for a ceasefire in the Black Sea to guarantee uninterrupted navigation. According to Reuters, after U.S.-Ukraine talks, the American delegation aims to finalize arrangements for a ceasefire during discussions with Russia on March 24. The White House underscores that the negotiation goal concerns establishing peace in the region.
Expectations from the negotiations include establishing a control line between the U.S. and Russia, aimed at oversight and peacekeeping measures. This source also highlights possible confidence-building initiatives, such as the repatriation of Ukrainian children who were reportedly abducted by Russian forces.
Leading the U.S. delegation is Andrew Peek, Senior Director of the White House National Security Council, alongside Michael Anton, a senior official from the State Department. Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and General Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the head of the FSB with a background in international matters.
These negotiations proceed amid ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Ukraine, as special envoy Keith Kellogg indicated that separate talks are part of a “shuttle diplomacy” approach. Notably, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi has suggested that direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are not anticipated.
The U.S.-Ukraine discussions on March 23 spanned approximately five hours, with Defense Minister Rustem Umerov calling them constructive and substantial, addressing essential technical matters, including strategies for safeguarding energy resources and critical infrastructures.
This renewed engagement comes in the context of former President Donald Trump’s call for a comprehensive ceasefire. Ukraine has shown willingness to accept this proposal, conditional upon a reciprocal commitment from Russia. However, the Kremlin has only offered a temporary pause on assaults targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, continuing its military actions against Ukrainian urban centers. President Volodyrmyr Zelenskyy emphasized that despite calls for a ceasefire, Russia’s actions suggest a resistance to peace efforts.
In summary, the recent U.S.-Russia negotiations in Riyadh aim to establish a ceasefire in the Black Sea, alongside discussions on oversight and confidence-building measures. The talks follow substantial consultations with Ukraine and showcase a delicate interplay between international diplomacy and ongoing regional conflict. While proposals for peace continue to surface, the effectiveness hinges on mutual commitments from all parties involved, particularly in light of Russia’s continued military actions against Ukraine.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
