On March 24, Russia and Ukraine will hold separate talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, focusing on navigation safety in the Black Sea and possibly reviving the expired Black Sea Grain Initiative.
On March 24, delegations from both Russia and Ukraine will engage in separate discussions with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, as announced by officials on Thursday. According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, these discussions will focus primarily on the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, reflecting a crucial maritime concern amidst ongoing tensions. The Russian delegation will include prominent figures such as Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and Sergei Beseda, adviser to the director of Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB).
Additionally, Ushakov indicated that there is a possibility of reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which had initially facilitated Ukraine’s grain exports through Black Sea ports during the 2022 conflict. This initiative had been essential for Ukraine until its expiration in July 2023, following Russia’s decision to withdraw from the deal. On the same day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that a Ukrainian delegation would also participate in negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia.
The upcoming talks mark a significant step in diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing conflict and may lead to vital dialogues concerning both maritime safety and agricultural exports. The participation of senior representatives from Russia and Ukraine underscores the importance of these discussions in fostering communication between the nations as they navigate through this complex geopolitical landscape.
In summary, separate talks between Russia and Ukraine with U.S. officials are scheduled for March 24 in Saudi Arabia. These discussions aim to address critical issues such as Black Sea navigation safety and the potential revival of the Black Sea Grain Initiative. Both countries’ participation highlights the significance of ongoing diplomatic engagement in the context of their respective concerns amid the continuous conflict.
Original Source: meduza.io
