On March 24, Russia and Ukraine will engage in separate talks with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov secured discussions with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The talks may signal a revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which expired in July 2023. President Zelensky confirmed Ukraine’s participation in parallel discussions.
On March 24, delegations from both Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to engage in separate discussions with the United States in Saudi Arabia. This decision was confirmed by officials, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the talks. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov indicated that the U.S.-Russia discussions will occur in Riyadh and will focus on the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.”
Yuri Ushakov mentioned that these consultations were agreed upon 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, alongside Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the FSB. This meeting may pave the way for discussions regarding the revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which allowed Ukrainian grain exports during the ongoing conflict but expired in July 2023.
In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation will also participate in negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on the same day, further emphasizing the critical nature of these discussions amid the conflict.
The scheduled separate talks between Russia and Ukraine with the United States in Saudi Arabia on March 24 signify a potential opportunity to address significant issues such as the safety of navigation in the Black Sea. With both nations sending high-level delegations, there is speculation about the revival of key agreements, particularly concerning grain exports from Ukraine. These dialogues may be crucial for future relations in the region.
Original Source: meduza.io
