US-Russia Negotiations for Black Sea Ceasefire Commence in Riyadh

US and Russian delegations commenced negotiations in Riyadh regarding the Ukraine crisis, focusing on establishing a ceasefire in the Black Sea and reviving the grain initiative. Although diplomatic efforts are in progress, military hostilities continue, underscoring the challenges in reaching a comprehensive peace agreement.

Negotiations concerning the resolution of the Ukraine crisis initiated on Monday in Riyadh, as confirmed by the Russian state news agency TASS. This development followed discussions between US and Ukrainian representatives held the preceding day. The Russian delegation is headed by Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, alongside Sergey Beseda, adviser to the Federal Security Service director, while the US delegation is led by Andrew Peek of the White House National Security Council and Michael Anton from the State Department.

These technical-level talks are taking place amid heightened efforts by US President Donald Trump to conclude Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, which have persisted for three years. Recently, Mr. Trump engaged in discussions with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to facilitate progress towards a resolution.

A pressing concern for these discussions includes the reviving of the Black Sea grain initiative, as revealed by Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov. This maritime ceasefire is deemed essential due to the Black Sea’s significance as a global trade route for grain exports from Ukraine and Russia. The Black Sea Grain Initiative, established in 2022 with UN and Turkey’s mediation, allowed Ukraine to export grain despite ongoing conflict, but it collapsed in 2023 following Russia’s withdrawal due to unmet conditions related to its exports.

The White House articulated that one of the objectives of these talks is to establish a maritime ceasefire enabling unhindered shipping activities in the Black Sea. National Security adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that the US, Russian, and Ukrainian delegations convened in the same venue in Riyadh for these discussions.

Ukraine’s Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, stated via Facebook that the dialogue with the US included strategies for protecting energy infrastructures and critical centers. He described the meeting as “constructive and meaningful”. Furthermore, President Zelenskyy’s intention is to achieve a just and enduring peace for Ukraine and, by extension, Europe.

Recently, Mr. Putin consented to Mr. Trump’s proposal for a 30-day halt to attacks on energy infrastructures from both sides, instructing the Russian military to comply. However, this limited agreement did not achieve the comprehensive ceasefire that Washington and Kyiv had anticipated. Despite these diplomatic efforts, hostilities remain ongoing, with both nations reporting continued air strikes, and Russian forces maintaining their advance in eastern Ukraine, an area claimed by Moscow.

The recent talks in Riyadh signal a critical step towards addressing the Ukraine crisis, with key discussions focusing on establishing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and revitalizing the grain initiative. However, while the negotiations are constructive, the lack of a comprehensive ceasefire highlights ongoing tensions as both nations continue their military operations. The ultimate goal remains peace and stability in the region, which is essential not only for Ukraine but for global trade as well.

Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com