Dmitry Peskov Photo: Depositphotos
Russia is seeking to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative, but, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, “there are a lot of nuances.” This issue will be one of the key topics of talks between the US and Russian delegations scheduled for the coming days in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Moscow wants to, but can’t?
Peskov recalled that on 18 March, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin discussed the possibility of renewing the agreement that allowed the export of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. However, the Kremlin insists that “Russia has fulfilled all the conditions”, but not with regard to itself.
“All of this needs to be discussed once again ‘on the shore’, as well as other aspects of the Ukrainian settlement,” the Kremlin spokesman said.
At the same time, despite his loud statements, Peskov could not even name the names of the Russian delegation at these talks. This hints at some inconsistency in Moscow’s position or its desire to keep the intrigue alive until the last moment.
The US has no illusions about the Kremlin
Contrary to Moscow’s optimistic statements, the White House emphasises that it has no illusions about Putin. National Security Adviser Mike Volz said that Washington is clearly aware of who it is dealing with and is conducting negotiations with cold calculation.
On 23 March, discussions on the ceasefire in Ukraine are due to continue in Jeddah, and it is in this context that the Black Sea Initiative may be discussed.
Is there a chance for a breakthrough?
The talks in Saudi Arabia could be one of the rare opportunities for the US and Russia to find common ground, although the prospects for a deal remain vague. On the one hand, the Kremlin is interested in lifting sanctions on Russian agricultural exports, which were one of the reasons for its withdrawal from the deal. On the other hand, the West clearly understands that concessions to Moscow without real security guarantees for Ukraine can only strengthen its aggression.
Will diplomats be able to find a compromise in the Black Sea? The answer may come in the coming days.
