Kremlin confirms Black Sea Initiative as key focus of Russia-US talks in Saudi Arabia

The Kremlin has confirmed that the primary focus of the negotiations between Russia and the United States in Saudi Arabia will be the Black Sea Initiative, specifically addressing shipping safety.

The propaganda Russian news agency TASS reported this.

The Kremlin announced that the negotiations between the Russian and US delegations in Riyadh will cover several key issues, mainly focusing on shipping safety in the Black Sea.

Dmitry Peskov, the Russian dictator's press secretary, reported that Vladimir Putin will be immediately informed about the results of the consultations between the parties. In addition, Peskov noted that the Black Sea Initiative will be the main topic of today's negotiations.

The United States also has the ability to monitor the implementation of the agreement to prevent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which will allow it to draw appropriate conclusions.

An important aspect is Vladimir Putin's upcoming international telephone conversation in the afternoon. The dates of Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia were also discussed, and they will be agreed upon through diplomatic channels.

For reference:

The day before, on March 23, a meeting of the Ukrainian and American delegations took place in the capital of Saudi Arabia, where they considered proposals for the security of energy and infrastructure facilities.

The negotiating group included the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak; the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Andrii Sybiha; the Minister of Defense, Rustem Umierov; and the Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Pavlo Palis. Energy and military experts also attended the meeting.

According to Umierov, the conversation was "constructive and meaningful," and "key issues" were discussed, particularly in the energy sector. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also called the meeting of the delegations "quite useful."

On March 24, in the capital of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, after US representatives met with Ukrainian representatives the day before, new negotiations between the American and Russian delegations would begin. The Russian delegation includes Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Grigory Karasin and Advisor to the Director of the Federal Security Service Sergey Beseda. The American delegation includes Senior Director of the White House National Security Council Andrew Peek and senior State Department official Michael Anton.

The White House stated that during the negotiations, they will try to achieve a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea for free navigation and discuss the "line of control." In addition, it was noted that Washington is asking Moscow to return deported Ukrainian children as one of the "confidence-building" measures.

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