US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire Begin in Saudi Arabia

US-Russia Talks on Ukraine Ceasefire Begin in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh, March 24 – Talks between the United States and Russia began on Monday morning in Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a comprehensive ceasefire for the ongoing Ukraine war. Meanwhile, Washington is also looking at a separate ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea region, which will ensure the free movement of shipping between the two countries.

These talks, which started after discussions between Ukraine and the United States in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, have been further expedited under President Donald Trump's initiative. Last week, Trump spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, and he is working to finalize an end to the war.

A source revealed that the US delegation is being led by Andrew Peek, Senior Director for the National Security Council at the White House, and Michael Anton from the State Department. Russia will be represented by Grigory Karasin, a former Russian foreign minister, and Sergey Beseda, who advises the Federal Security Service (FSB).

The main goal of these discussions is to establish a ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea region, ensuring free shipping movement. While there have not been intense military operations in the area in recent months, this could be an important step toward a ceasefire.

The White House has announced that the talks will address the “control line,” which includes confirming the ceasefire, deploying peacekeeping forces, and maintaining stability along the border. Additionally, the issue of the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia will also be discussed.

While the United States sees these talks as a positive step, some European powers remain skeptical about whether Putin will come to a fair agreement for the ceasefire, as his position has not significantly changed since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Putin has insisted that Ukraine must formally leave its NATO membership and that Russia should have full control over the four territories it claims.

US Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff stated, "I believe Putin wants peace. This is very different from the situation in World War II."

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has said that the ongoing US-Ukraine talks are focusing on proposals to protect energy resources and critical infrastructure.