Russian and U.S. delegations began new bilateral talks in Riyadh to discuss the Black Sea Grain Initiative amidst ongoing hostilities. Following previous negotiations, both sides express cautious optimism regarding peace prospects. Ukrainian officials remain available for further consultations after their meetings with Russian representatives.

On Monday, Russian and U.S. delegations commenced a new round of bilateral discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. These negotiations are reported to be in a closed format, as indicated by Russian state news agency TASS, which also mentioned that security officials requested journalists to vacate the venue.

The Russian presidential aide, Yury Ushakov, announced earlier that the talks were scheduled following a phone discussion with U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. Ushakov indicated that the meeting, taking place on March 24, primarily aims to explore prospects related to the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, specifically concerning the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

The Black Sea Grain Initiative, established in July 2022 through collaboration between Türkiye, the UN, Russia, and Ukraine, was designed to resume grain exports from Ukrainian ports that were suspended due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Russia’s withdrawal from the agreement on July 17, 2023, was predicated on unmet terms, including the easing of banking restrictions and provisions for shipping their fertilizer.

This meeting follows recent productive talks held separately between Kyiv and Washington’s delegations in Saudi Arabia. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov conveyed that efforts are focused on ensuring a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and Europe, emphasizing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s commitment to achieving this goal.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed his optimism regarding the potential for peace, which could begin with a ceasefire in the Black Sea, although ongoing hostilities have cast doubt on the progress of negotiations. Serhiy Leshchenko, an adviser in Ukraine’s Presidential Office, confirmed that Kyiv’s delegation remains in Riyadh for further consultations after meeting with the Russian side.

In conclusion, the recent bilateral talks between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia signify continued efforts to address critical regional issues, particularly concerning the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Despite previous setbacks and ongoing hostilities, representatives from both nations, while engaging in closed negotiations, express a cautious optimism for peace, specifically through potential ceasefires and reassessments of prior agreements. Ukrainian officials also remain poised for discussions aimed at securing a just resolution to the conflict.

Original Source: www.aa.com.tr

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