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ANDREW PEEK, ASIA, BILATERAL TALKS, BLACK SEA, DIPLOMACY, EUROPE, EUROPE/ASIA, FEDERATION COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS, GR, GRIGORY KARASIN, HOUSE, INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS, KEITH KELLOGG, KREMLIN, NORTH AMERICA, REUTERS, RITZ - CARLTON, RIYADH, RUSSIA, SAUDI ARABIA, SERGEY BESEDA, STATE DEPARTMENT, THE RITZ - CARLTON, UKRAINE, UNITED STATES, US, WAR, WHITE HOUSE, WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
Omar El-Sharif
US and Russia Initiate New Negotiations in Riyadh for Ceasefire Talks
On March 24, US and Russian officials began talks in Riyadh to negotiate a ceasefire in the Black Sea. The discussions, which involved consultations with Ukraine, aim to create a control line for peacekeeping and address child repatriation issues. The US delegation is led by Andrew Peek, while Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin. Despite attempts for a ceasefire, Russia’s commitment remains questionable.
On March 24, US and Russian representatives commenced a new set of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after consulting with Ukrainian officials the day prior. The meeting is reportedly closed to the press, with journalists asked to vacate The Ritz-Carlton where the discussions are being held.
The focus of the talks centers on achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea, facilitating free navigation and security in the region. Following previous negotiations with Ukraine, the US delegation aims to collaborate with Russian officials on defining a “control line” intended for oversight and peacekeeping measures. Additionally, the delegations will address “confidence-building measures,” including the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
Leading the US delegation is Andrew Peek, Senior Director of the National Security Council, accompanied by State Department official Michael Anton. Russia’s representatives include Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and General Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the Head of the FSB.
These negotiations follow a five-hour discussion held by the US with Ukraine on March 23, which was described as constructive, covering essential topics such as the protection of energy facilities. Furthermore, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg indicated the US would engage separately with both Ukrainian and Russian representatives.
Despite recent efforts to establish a comprehensive ceasefire led by former President Donald Trump, progress remains uncertain as Russia exhibits reluctance, only announcing a temporary pause in attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s actions, stating that it prolongs the war despite prior ceasefire proposals.
The ongoing negotiations between the US and Russia in Riyadh aim to forge a ceasefire in the Black Sea and establish oversight measures. The talks involve key US and Russian officials, highlighting the complexities of international diplomacy amid the ongoing conflict. While progress has been made regarding discussions with Ukraine, the situation remains fragile with Russia hesitant to commit fully to a ceasefire. The developments emphasize a continuous struggle for peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua
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