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US, Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Over Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict
US & Russian officials meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on a Black Sea ceasefire before broader Ukraine peace negotiations. Meanwhile, Moscow & Kyiv escalate drone strikes.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-24
US, Russia Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Over Black Sea Ceasefire Amid Ukraine Conflict

Amid ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine, US and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday, aiming for a Black Sea maritime ceasefire before a broader truce. These negotiations follow US-Ukraine discussions in the Kingdom a day earlier.

The talks come as Russia launched its third consecutive overnight air attack on Kyiv, injuring civilians, while Ukraine has reportedly damaged Russian oil depots and downed drones.

Ceasefire Discussions & European Scepticism

The White House emphasized that the primary focus of the talks is to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Black Sea. However, European leaders remain skeptical about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to make real concessions.

Key demands from Russia include:

  • Ukraine officially abandoning NATO ambitions
  • Ukrainian withdrawal from four regions claimed by Moscow

Meanwhile, former US President Donald Trump has intensified peace efforts, praising Putin’s engagement and backing the Saudi-hosted negotiations.

Energy Attacks & Moratorium Dispute

The Kremlin claims to be observing a 30-day pause on attacking Ukrainian energy sites—a promise Putin made to Trump—despite Ukraine’s accusations of violations.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov has arrived in Saudi Arabia, possibly for follow-up discussions after the US-Russia talks.

Future of Peace Talks

Beyond the Black Sea ceasefire, negotiations may expand to:

  • Defining the line of control between Ukraine & Russia
  • Freezing territorial advances
  • Confidence-building measures, including the return of Ukrainian children taken by Russia

With tensions still high and no immediate breakthrough expected, the Saudi-hosted discussions mark a tentative step toward de-escalation in the three-year conflict.
Tagged:

UkraineConflict

RussiaUkraineWar

SaudiDiplomacy

BlackSeaCeasefire

USRussiaTalks
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