U.S. and Russia Discuss Black Sea Navigation Safety in Saudi Talks
U.S. and Russian officials discussed Black Sea navigation safety during talks in Saudi Arabia, aiming for a maritime truce amid ongoing tensions. A potential new agreement on agricultural exports from Russia would depend on U.S. directives to Ukraine. Kremlin officials are reviewing the negotiations before making public announcements. Ukrainian and U.S. officials are set to reveal more details later.
During recent discussions in Saudi Arabia, U.S. and Russian officials explored a potential agreement concerning navigation safety in the Black Sea, as stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The U.S. aimed to establish a maritime truce within a broader diplomatic initiative aimed at fostering peace negotiations. Lavrov noted that the discussions’ preliminary outcomes were being communicated to the presidents of both nations.
Following the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a UN- and Turkey-mediated accord, termed the Black Sea Grain Initiative, was created to facilitate safe grain exports from Ukraine. However, Russia withdrew from this pact the subsequent year, alleging violations. Consequently, Ukraine developed its own export mechanism, countering Russian naval forces in contested waters through significant attacks.
Lavrov asserted that the potential for a new Black Sea agreement, which would alleviate restrictions on Russian agricultural exports, hinges on the United States directing Ukraine to accept such terms. He emphasized that Russia seeks to resume shipping operations in a mutually agreeable manner and called for well-defined, verifiable guarantees that could only be assured via U.S. intervention.
On a related note, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that the Kremlin is not yet prepared to divulge details regarding the discussions in Saudi Arabia, characterizing the ongoing dialogue as being at a technical level. He stated that officials are reviewing reports from the Russian delegation, and clarity on the situation will only emerge after that analysis.
Additionally, Ukrainian and U.S. officials convened in Saudi Arabia after the Russian talks concluded, with sources indicating that further details regarding these discussions would be disclosed later.
The discussions between U.S. and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia revolved around ensuring navigation safety in the Black Sea, a vital concern following the withdrawal from the previous grain export initiative. The success of any new agreement appears contingent upon U.S. intervention to influence Ukraine’s acceptance. As both nations continue to navigate complex diplomatic waters, the outcome remains to be seen, highlighting the broader quest for peace in the region.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
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