In a significant development for international diplomacy, US and Russian officials are gearing up for crucial talks on Ukraine, scheduled for 24 March 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This follows conversations earlier in the week between US President Donald Trump and both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Kremlin Confirms Upcoming Talks
Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that the discussions would focus on the initiatives discussed by Trump and Putin regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated that representatives from Russia, including Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda, will be present to engage in dialogue with US officials.
US National Security Advisor’s Statements
- Mike Waltz commented on the significance of these consultations, emphasising that both sides would send “expert groups” for the talks.
- These discussions will aim to implement and expand the partial ceasefire agreement secured by Trump earlier this year.
Context and Background
While the specifics of the meetings remain hazy, it is noted that the US also plans to hold separate discussions with Kyiv in the coming days. The potential for a three-way conversation involving both Ukrainian and Russian delegations has been hinted at—though it’s uncertain if that will materialise.
Despite diplomatic gestures, Putin has already turned down a US-proposed unconditional ceasefire, agreeing only to a 30-day halt focusing on energy infrastructure strikes. This background raises questions about the effectiveness of the upcoming talks.
Observers remain hopeful that these negotiations may open pathways towards peace in the region, notwithstanding the historical complexities of the US-Russia relationship.