Russia and Ukraine will hold separate talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on March 24, focusing on maritime safety in the Black Sea and possibly reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Russian officials and a delegation from Ukraine are participating in this diplomacy amidst ongoing tensions.
On March 24, delegations from Russia and Ukraine will engage in separate talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, as announced by officials. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that the focus of U.S.-Russia discussions in Riyadh will be the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.” These consultations, agreed upon with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on March 19, will include prominent figures from the Russian delegation such as Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda.
Ushakov also suggested a potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which initially allowed Ukraine to export grain through its Black Sea ports during Russia’s invasion. This important agreement, facilitated by the U.N. and Turkey in 2022, lapsed in July 2023 when Russia announced its plans to exit the arrangement.
In a parallel development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation will also participate in talks with U.S. officials on the same day in Saudi Arabia. This indicates a concerted diplomatic effort from both nations amid ongoing tensions in the region.
The planned talks on March 24 in Saudi Arabia serve as an important diplomatic effort by both Russia and Ukraine. They underscore Russia’s renewed focus on maritime safety and the potential reinstatement of crucial grain export agreements. Both nations aim to address significant geopolitical challenges and maintain essential dialogue with the United States during these separate consultations.
Original Source: meduza.io
