The peace negotiations between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine have entered a decisive phase, with crucial discussions taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Under the bold leadership of President Donald J. Trump, the delegations met to hash out potential settlements for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This historic move proves yet again that when Trump takes charge, the impossible becomes possible.
The U.S. delegation featured key figures like Michael Anton, policy planning director under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and aides to the special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, along with national security adviser Michael Waltz. Meanwhile, Russia’s delegation included Grigory Karasin, Chairman of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs, and Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB).
This marathon 12-hour meeting zeroed in on reinstating the Black Sea Grain Initiative, a critical agreement that once allowed safe grain exports from Ukrainian ports. However, Ukraine raised concerns, especially with the participation of Sergey Beseda, signaling hurdles ahead.
Although a joint communique was drafted, Ukraine’s objections halted its publication. A significant sticking point remains Russia’s demand for control over regions like Donetsk, Lugansk, Zaporozhie, and Kherson, which have voted in referendums to join Russia, even though some areas remain unconquered.
President Trump emphasized that these negotiations are tackling tough issues, like territory, demarcation lines, and power plant ownership. Despite criticism from some media quarters, these talks are a testament to the advanced stage of negotiations, with real challenges being addressed.
The White House released the outcomes of U.S. and Ukraine expert talks on the Black Sea [here](https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2025/03/outcomes-of-the-united-states-and-ukraine-expert-groups-on-the-black-sea/), highlighting key agreements and commitments. The U.S. remains dedicated to ensuring peace and the protection of vital infrastructure.
“In line with presidential-level discussions between President Donald J. Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United States facilitated bilateral technical-level talks with the Ukrainian delegation March 23-25 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Following those discussions:
The United States and Ukraine have agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.
The United States and Ukraine agreed that the United States remains committed to helping achieve the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.
The United States and Ukraine agreed to develop measures for implementing President Trump’s and President Zelenskyy’s agreement to ban strikes against energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine.
The United States and Ukraine welcome the good offices of third countries with a view toward supporting the implementation of the energy and maritime agreements.
The United States and Ukraine will continue working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace.
The United States reiterated to both sides President Donald J. Trump’s imperative that the killing on both sides of the Russia-Ukraine conflict must stop, as the necessary step toward achieving an enduring peace settlement. To that end, the United States will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides to achieve a peaceful resolution, in line with the agreements made in Riyadh.
The United States expresses gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership and hospitality in once again facilitating these important discussions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
In a parallel release, the Kremlin outlined the main achievements from the Russia-U.S. expert talks, emphasizing the following agreements:
- Ensuring the implementation of the “Black Sea Initiative,” focusing on safe navigation and preventing military misuse of commercial vessels.
- Restoring Russian agricultural exports’ access to global markets, reducing marine insurance costs, and enhancing port and payment system access.
- These changes hinge on lifting various sanctions and restrictions affecting Russian financial and trade operations.
- Implementation of a 30-day ban on strikes against energy facilities, with potential extensions based on compliance.
- Continuous efforts towards a strong and lasting peace, welcoming third-party support in energy and maritime sectors.
These negotiations are a testament to the power of diplomacy and the unwavering leadership of President Trump in seeking peace and stability in the region.
