US and Russia Initiate Negotiations in Saudi Arabia for Ceasefire Talks

On March 24, US and Russia initiated negotiations in Riyadh aiming for a ceasefire in the Black Sea. Discussions also include establishing control measures and repatriating abducted Ukrainian children. The US and Ukraine previously met for five hours on March 23, addressing critical infrastructure protection. Notably, former President Trump is working towards a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

On March 24, representatives from the United States and Russia commenced a new round of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This meeting follows consultations held with Ukrainian representatives the day prior. According to pro-Kremlin media, the discussions will be conducted behind closed doors, leading journalists to be asked to leave the Ritz-Carlton hotel venue.

The primary focus of the talks is to negotiate a ceasefire in the Black Sea, aimed at ensuring unimpeded navigation in the region. A source informed Reuters that after the US-Ukraine discussions on March 23, the intention is to meet with Russian officials. The White House emphasizes that achieving a ceasefire remains the pivotal objective of these discussions.

Additional topics on the agenda include establishing a control line between the US and Russia, intended to facilitate oversight, peacekeeping, and the stabilization of territorial lines. The discussions are also anticipated to address confidence-building measures, notably the repatriation of Ukrainian children purportedly abducted by Russia.

Leading the US delegation is Andrew Peek, Senior Director of the National Security Council, accompanied by Michael Anton, a senior official from the State Department. The Russian 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 discussions held the previous day between the US and Ukraine, which lasted approximately five hours. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov described the talks as constructive and substantive, covering crucial technical issues concerning the protection of energy facilities and other critical infrastructure.

Amid these developments, former President Donald Trump is working towards a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, a proposal Ukraine has agreed to, contingent upon Russia’s compliance. However, Moscow’s recent actions only indicate a temporary cessation of assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, while aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities reportedly persist. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that despite previous ceasefire suggestions, Russia continues to extend the military confrontation.

In summary, the US and Russia have initiated new negotiations focused on achieving a ceasefire in the Black Sea while addressing significant issues such as territorial control and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. US officials highlight the importance of these discussions, coinciding with efforts to secure a broader ceasefire agreement with Ukraine. Despite ongoing diplomatic engagements, tensions remain high, particularly regarding Russia’s military actions in Ukraine.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua