US and Russia Commence New Negotiations in Riyadh Focused on Ceasefire

On March 24, US and Russian representatives initiated negotiations in Riyadh, focusing on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and discussions regarding control lines and confidence-building measures. The talks occur after recent consultations with Ukrainian officials, amid efforts by Donald Trump to broker a 30-day ceasefire conditional on Russian cooperation.

On March 24, representatives from the United States and Russia commenced a fresh round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This meeting follows discussions held the previous day between American officials and Ukrainian representatives. Pro-Kremlin media report that the talks are closed to the press, as journalists were requested to leave The Ritz-Carlton hotel venue.

The primary agenda for the US-Russia discussions focuses on reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea, aiming to facilitate free navigation in the region. Following the US-Ukraine talks on March 23, American officials plan to engage with Russian representatives on this critical issue. The White House has emphasized that achieving a ceasefire is a major objective of these discussions.

In addition to the ceasefire, the negotiations will address the creation of a control line between the two nations, which includes measures for oversight, peacekeeping, and maintaining the current state of affairs. Discussions will also encompass confidence-building measures, notably the return of Ukrainian children who were allegedly abducted by Russia.

The US delegation is headed by Andrew Peek, Senior Director of the White House National Security Council, alongside Michael Anton, a Senior State Department official. The Russian team features Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs, and General Sergey Beseda, an Advisor to the Head of the FSB, with a background in operational intelligence.

These negotiations take place following substantive discussions between the US and Ukraine earlier on March 23. Officials have not ruled out further consultations with Ukraine. During these talks, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg noted that separate discussions would characterize the US’s approach—a method referred to as “shuttle diplomacy.”

Ukrainian delegate and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted the productive nature of the discussions, which spanned approximately five hours, addressing technical matters such as the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure. This sequence of meetings aligns with Donald Trump’s efforts to establish an extensive ceasefire lasting 30 days, contingent upon Russia’s willingness to commit.

Despite Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire proposal, the Kremlin has merely announced a temporary suspension of attacks on Ukraine’s energy systems. Nonetheless, Moscow has continued its assaults on Ukrainian urban centers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated that while an unconditional ceasefire proposal was made on March 11, 2025, Russia’s actions imply a prolongation of the conflict.

In summary, the ongoing negotiations between the US and Russia in Riyadh aim primarily for a ceasefire in the Black Sea, alongside discussions surrounding control measures and confidence-building initiatives. The delegations, led by high-profile officials from both nations, reflect ongoing diplomatic efforts in light of escalating tensions. While Ukraine shows readiness to agree to a ceasefire, it remains crucial that Russia reciprocates this commitment to achieve lasting peace.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua