Russia and Ukraine will hold separate talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on March 24, focusing on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov indicated the possibility of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative. President Zelensky also announced a Ukrainian delegation will attend the discussions.
On March 24, delegations from both Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to engage in separate discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, as reported by multiple officials. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that discussions concerning the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea” will be central to the U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh. This initiative stems from an agreement made with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on March 19.
The Russian delegation will comprise Grigory Karasin, the chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB). Ushakov’s remarks suggest a potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which facilitated Ukraine’s grain exports through Black Sea ports but expired in July 2023 after Russia announced its withdrawal.
In addition, on the same day, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation will also participate in talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. The developments highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts between Russia and Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
The upcoming talks on March 24 between Russia, Ukraine, and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia signify a critical moment in international diplomacy regarding the Black Sea. The discussions aim to potentially revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative and address vital navigation safety issues, amidst the backdrop of continuing tensions due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Original Source: meduza.io
