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Negotiations between representatives of the United States and Russia began in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on 24 March. The Russian delegation is headed by the Chairman of the Federation Council’s Committee on International Affairs Grigory Karasin and Advisor to the FSB Director Sergei Beseda.
It is worth noting that the level of these talks is significantly lower than the level of the US-Ukraine meeting that took place the previous evening. Ukraine was represented by Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, which indicates that the strategic dialogue between Kyiv and Washington continues at the highest level.
One of the key topics of the talks is the resumption of the grain deal, which ensured safe navigation in the Black Sea. US National Security Advisor Michael Walz noted that the talks could move from the grain issue to a broader discussion of possible terms of settlement.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov posted on social media platform X that the US-Ukraine talks were productive, particularly in terms of energy issues.
“President Zelenskyy’s goal is to ensure a lasting peace not only for Ukraine but for the whole of Europe,” Umerov wrote.
The talks launched in Riyadh demonstrate the parties’ desire to reduce tensions, but the absence of high-ranking officials in the Russian delegation and parallel coordination between the US and Ukraine show that Washington prioritises supporting Kyiv.
