Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Today, March 24, 2025, U.S. and Russian officials have commenced discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at advancing a significant cease-fire in Ukraine, with a particular focus on the Black Sea region.
As reported by Reuters, the U.S. delegation is headed by Andrew Peake, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, alongside Michael Anton, a senior official from the State Department.
The goal of the negotiations, according to the White House, is to establish a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea to facilitate the free movement of vessels.
Russia’s representatives include Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who currently chairs the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, an advisor to the director of the FSB.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated on March 23 that the forthcoming discussions between Russia and the U.S. regarding the possible revival of the Black Sea grain initiative would be “challenging,” as reported by Anadolu. He expressed Russia’s willingness to explore President Vladimir Putin’s agreement to reinstate the initiative, along with the associated complexities.
Peskov emphasized that “the complexities are numerous. Previously, when Mr. (UN Secretary General) Guterres was overseeing the Black Sea agreement, we met all our commitments, yet our obligations remained unfulfilled. Thus, we are facing tough negotiations ahead.”
Additionally, Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Naval Forces (AFU), stated on the FREEDOM TV channel that discussions regarding a potential 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia may revolve around creating a “grain corridor” in the Black Sea.
He highlighted the significance of a maritime truce for Ukraine, particularly concerning port infrastructure that is frequently targeted by Russian attacks.
“Currently, the Black Sea area is secured by the Ukrainian Defense Forces, providing us with a more advantageous position relative to the Russians. However, the occupiers are hindering civilian navigation in the Black Sea, making a ceasefire at sea vital in this context. For us, achieving peace also entails halting the bombardment of our port facilities,” Pletenchuk remarked.