US and Russian representatives concluded another stage of dialogue on the conflict in Ukraine.
Maritime security in the Black Sea and the possible resumption of the grain agreement were the focus of the discussions.
247 - High-level negotiations between Russia and the United States on the conflict in Ukraine and maritime security in the Black Sea concluded on Monday (24), in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, after more than 12 hours of discussions. The information was released by the RIA Novosti and TASS agencies, which cited sources close to the delegations involved.
“Russian-American consultations have been concluded,” the Russian Foreign Ministry reported, without providing further details on the results of the talks. A joint statement on the content of the negotiations is expected to be released on Tuesday (25). A statement from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is also expected.
The discussions revolved mainly around maritime security in the Black Sea and the prospects of reviving the so-called Black Sea Initiative, also known as the "grain deal," which had originally been brokered by the UN and Turkey. Russia withdrew from the agreement in July 2023, accusing the West of failing to fulfill its part of the pact.
White House sources speaking to Reuters indicated that a "positive announcement" could be made "in the near future," following progress in negotiations in Riyadh. According to these American sources, there is an expectation that direct dialogue between Moscow and Washington could unlock sensitive issues related to regional security.
Grigory Karasin, a veteran diplomat and chairman of the Russian Parliamentary Committee on International Relations, who was part of the Russian delegation, described the negotiations as "creative" but also "technical." Karasin stressed the importance of keeping the channels of dialogue open between the two countries, even if the meetings do not immediately result in a formal agreement.
“Not every negotiation produces a high-profile document or agreement,” Karasin told reporters during a break in the talks. “What matters is maintaining communication and understanding each other’s positions. In that sense, we are succeeding.”
The negotiations in Riyadh are taking place against a backdrop of escalating geopolitical tension, with the United States reinforcing its military and financial support for Ukraine and Russia consolidating strategic alliances with powers in the Global South, such as China and India. Saudi Arabia, which has maintained a position of diplomatic balance, acted as host for the talks, reinforcing its role as a mediator in international conflicts.
The outcome of the talks in Riyadh could have a significant impact on the global situation, especially if there is concrete progress on the Black Sea issue and the resumption of the grain agreement. The commitment of Moscow and Washington to maintain open dialogue, even in the face of profound strategic differences, signals that there is room for negotiations in pursuit of regional stability and security.
