In a significant development towards addressing the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe, delegations from Ukraine and Russia are scheduled to engage in separate discussions with the United States in Saudi Arabia on March 24, 2025. The talks, set to take place in Riyadh, underscore the complexities of international diplomacy amid heightened tensions.
Separate Dialogues in Riyadh
According to Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov, the U.S.-Russia consultations will focus on “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.” The Russian delegation is expected to include Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian delegation will hold another round of talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on the same day.
Ukraine’s Stance on Direct Engagement
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Heorhii Tykhyi, clarified that there would be no direct interaction between Ukrainian and Russian delegations during the talks. He emphasized that Ukraine is preparing for bilateral discussions with the U.S., focusing on technical aspects rather than political negotiations. Tykhyi stated, “There will be a meeting of professional people from the Ukrainian and American sides who can figure out all the details of how [a ceasefire] should look. We need to understand how it will work, who will control it, how it will be monitored.”
Background of the Ceasefire Proposal
These developments follow earlier talks held in Jeddah on March 11, where Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a complete ceasefire. However, Russia did not commit to a comprehensive ceasefire, leading to continued missile and drone attacks against Ukraine.
The U.S. administration agreed to lift its suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing for Ukraine, contingent upon Russia’s agreement to the proposed 30-day ceasefire. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked, “We’re going to tell them this is what’s on the table. Ukraine is ready to stop shooting and start talking. And now it’ll be up to them to say yes or no.”
International Responses and Ongoing Conflict
The international community has been closely monitoring the situation, with various nations expressing concerns over the escalating conflict. Recent Russian drone strikes on the Ukrainian city of Odesa injured three people and caused significant damage, highlighting the challenges of achieving even limited ceasefires.
In response to the ongoing hostilities, the United Kingdom announced plans to accelerate its military planning to support Ukraine, including the possibility of deploying troops. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s spokesperson emphasized that thousands of troops would be needed for operations, which could involve land, sea, and air forces.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming separate talks in Riyadh represent a critical juncture in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region. While direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia remain elusive, the involvement of the United States as a mediator offers a glimmer of hope for progress. The international community awaits the outcomes of these discussions, hopeful for a pathway to lasting peace.
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