The United States and Russian delegations convened in Saudi Arabia on Monday to explore potential pathways toward resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including discussions on a possible ceasefire in the Black Sea region.
The talks come on the heels of a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia over the weekend. Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden held separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, signaling a renewed diplomatic push to address the crisis.
The White House stated that the primary goal of the discussions is to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, facilitating the safe passage of shipping vessels. Although major military operations have not recently occurred in the area, ensuring the security of maritime routes remains a critical concern.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasized the importance of navigational safety, noting that previous agreements on Black Sea shipping had not fully met Russia’s expectations. “This is primarily about the safety of navigation,” Peskov said.
The U.S. delegation is reportedly led by senior officials from the National Security Council and the State Department, according to local media outlets. Russia is represented by Grigory Karasin, chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee and a former diplomat, along with Sergei Beseda, an adviser within the Federal Security Service.
After nearly three hours of discussions, Karasin described the consultations as “constructive,” indicating that both sides addressed issues causing friction in their bilateral relations. “We are progressing creatively,” he told Interfax news agency.
President Biden expressed cautious optimism regarding the talks, acknowledging the complexities involved but highlighting the necessity of diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation. “Efforts to stop the conflict from escalating are ongoing,” he said over the weekend.
However, skepticism remains among European nations about Russia’s willingness to make meaningful concessions. The Kremlin affirmed on Monday that Russia continues to observe a self-imposed 30-day moratorium on targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, despite allegations from Kyiv that Moscow has violated this commitment.
Ukraine insists that any pause in hostilities must be formalized through a signed agreement. “We need a documented commitment to ensure the safety of our infrastructure,” a senior Ukrainian official stated on condition of anonymity.
Ukrainian officials are expected to meet with U.S. counterparts later on Monday to further discuss the potential ceasefire and diplomatic solutions to the conflict.
