Russia, US Hold Secretive 12-Hour Talks in Riyadh on Black Sea Ceasefire

On March 24, representatives from Russia and the United States engaged in a marathon 12-hour closed-door negotiation in the Saudi capital of Riyadh. The talks, described as "expert-level consultations," focused on technical details of a potential ceasefire agreement in the Black Sea region. The secrecy surrounding the negotiations was evident, with Saudi authorities even barring journalists from the hotel area and prohibiting any photography.

The Kremlin has refused to disclose the specifics of the discussions, stating that both Moscow and Washington are analyzing the outcomes but will not make the contents public. This lack of transparency has introduced uncertainty into the progress of at least a partial ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The talks were reportedly led by Russian representatives, including the Chairman of the Federation Council's Committee on International Affairs, Konstantin Kosachev, and the Advisor to the Director of the Federal Security Service, Alexander Bortnikov. The U.S. delegation included high-level diplomats and security officials.

The negotiations were part of a broader effort to revive the Black Sea Grain Initiative and explore pathways to resolve the Ukraine conflict. While the details remain confidential, it is known that the discussions covered a range of issues, including maritime security, protection of energy infrastructure, and ceasefire conditions. The talks were conducted in a highly secure environment, with strict measures to ensure confidentiality.

The Kremlin's spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, emphasized that the discussions were constructive and that both sides are committed to finding a resolution. However, the lack of public disclosure has left many questions unanswered, particularly regarding the potential for a partial ceasefire and the broader implications for the conflict.

Earlier, on March 23, the U.S. and Ukraine held discussions in Riyadh, focusing on energy security, infrastructure protection, and ceasefire plans. Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov described the talks as "constructive," while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the outcomes as "very beneficial."

The complex dynamics of the negotiations were further highlighted by Zelenskyy's mixed signals. On one hand, he criticized Russia as the sole party delaying the conflict and called for continued international pressure on President Vladimir Putin. On the other hand, he acknowledged the potential for further U.S.-Ukraine talks, indicating a willingness to engage in the diplomatic process.

The negotiations also included a symbolic gesture from Russian President Vladimir Putin, who gifted a private portrait to former U.S. President Donald Trump. The Kremlin described this as a personal gift, declining to elaborate on its significance. This gesture was seen by some as a sign of potential thawing in U.S.-Russia relations and a possible indication of underlying agreements on the Ukraine issue.

The outcome of the Riyadh talks remains uncertain, but there is speculation that a phased ceasefire could be on the horizon. This might involve prioritizing air and sea ceasefires while temporarily deferring ground conflicts. The negotiations underscore the delicate balance of power and the intricate web of interests at play in the ongoing conflict.