US and Russian officials have initiated high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, with the goal of reaching a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. This move is part of Washington’s broader efforts to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The United States is focusing on securing an agreement that ensures the free flow of shipping in the Black Sea as a first step toward a larger ceasefire agreement.
The discussions, which kicked off on Monday, follow talks between the US and Ukraine earlier in the week. President Donald Trump has been actively engaging with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin in recent weeks, seeking to bring about a resolution to the three-year-long conflict.
Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior official at the State Department, are leading the US delegation. The Russian side is represented by Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat and current chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, along with Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the Federal Security Service.
The US government has emphasized that the immediate goal of the talks is to reach a ceasefire that would stabilize maritime activities in the Black Sea. This would allow safe and uninterrupted shipping, which has been a key concern in the region amid the ongoing conflict. By addressing maritime tensions first, both sides hope to build momentum for a broader ceasefire agreement in Ukraine.
These talks mark a crucial step in the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, with Saudi Arabia hosting the discussions as part of its increasing role in facilitating international peace efforts.
