Russia and Ukraine to Engage in Separate U.S. Talks on Black Sea Navigation
On March 24, Russian and Ukrainian delegations will hold separate talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, focusing on Black Sea navigation safety. The discussions may revitalize the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which recently expired. President Zelensky also announced ongoing talks with the U.S. on the same date.
On March 24, delegations from both Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to engage in separate discussions with representatives from the United States in Saudi Arabia. This announcement was confirmed by officials on Thursday. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov stated that the U.S.-Russia discussions will be held in Riyadh, focusing on the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.” These consultations were arranged with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz on March 19.
The Russian delegation will be led by Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, along with Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB). Ushakov noted that these talks may signal a potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a deal established by the U.N. and Turkey in 2022 that allowed Ukraine to export grain amidst the ongoing conflict, which had recently expired in July 2023.
Simultaneously, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation is also set to undertake a further round of talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on the same day, March 24. These discussions highlight the ongoing diplomatic efforts from both nations to address pressing geopolitical issues.
The scheduled talks in Saudi Arabia represent a significant opportunity for both Russia and Ukraine to address critical matters, particularly regarding navigation safety in the Black Sea. The potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative further underscores the importance of these discussions in light of recent developments and ongoing challenges in the region.
Original Source: meduza.io
