US and Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia on Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict
Riyadh: US and Russian officials convened in Saudi Arabia on Monday to negotiate a Black Sea maritime ceasefire as part of efforts to de-escalate the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The talks follow US discussions with Ukraine a day earlier and come amid intensified drone strikes by both Russia and Ukraine.
Key Developments:
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Russia launched its third overnight attack on Kyiv, injuring one person and damaging homes.
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Moscow claims it shot down 227 Ukrainian drones within 24 hours.
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Ukraine continues attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, with firefighters battling a blaze in Krasnodar for the fifth day.
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US President Donald Trump has intensified peace efforts, speaking to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.
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Talks in Saudi Arabia aim to reach a maritime ceasefire, though broader negotiations remain uncertain.
Black Sea Ceasefire Proposal:
The US-led initiative seeks to secure safe navigation in the Black Sea, enabling continued grain and commodity exports. While Ukraine has sustained exports despite Russian attacks, its Mykolaiv port remains unusable. Zelenskiy recently urged the European Union to support a truce at sea and in the air.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov highlighted Russia’s dissatisfaction with a previous 2022 Black Sea agreement, emphasizing the need for a better deal.
US-Russia Talks in Riyadh:
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Led by Andrew Peek (US National Security Council) and Michael Anton (State Department) for the US.
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Russian delegation included Grigory Karasin (chair of Russia’s Senate Foreign Affairs Committee) and Sergei Beseda (FSB adviser).
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Discussions included broader “irritants” in US-Russia relations, according to Karasin.
European Scepticism and Russian Demands:
While Trump has praised Putin’s engagement, European leaders remain doubtful, viewing Putin’s demands as unchanged since 2022:
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Ukraine must drop its NATO ambitions.
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Ukrainian forces must withdraw from four occupied regions claimed by Russia.
Pause on Energy Attacks:
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Russia claims to be upholding a 30-day pause on attacks on Ukrainian energy sites, a moratorium Putin assured Trump last week.
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Ukraine disputes this, insisting a formal agreement is necessary.
Next Steps:
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Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov arrived in Saudi Arabia, suggesting further US-Ukraine talks.
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Future discussions may address:
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“Line of control” verification measures.
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Peacekeeping strategies to freeze battle lines.
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Return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia.
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The Saudi-hosted talks signal diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict, but major hurdles remain, particularly concerning Russia’s territorial demands and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. While a Black Sea ceasefire could serve as a confidence-building measure, broader peace remains elusive as both sides continue intensified drone warfare.
