In a crucial meeting held on March 24, 2025, U.S. and Russian representatives engaged in over 12 hours of negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to navigate the rocky waters of the ongoing Ukraine conflict and discuss a potential ceasefire. Despite the lengthy discussions, the only messages released indicated that the details of any agreements would not be made public until March 25, leaving much of the content of these talks cloaked in secrecy.
The convocation in Riyadh follows a more concise, four-hour discussion the day prior, where representatives from Kyiv and Washington initially broached topics regarding infrastructure and maritime security. However, hopes for immediate progress were tempered with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirming that the renewal of the Black Sea Initiative was prominently on the agenda, an unexpected shift from the original topics outlined last week.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce characterized the discussions optimistically, stating, "We’ve never been closer, a breath away, from a full ceasefire, and then a discussion about an enduring peace. It’s doable. Humanity has done it in the past, we can do it again [...] this is the time where there has to be new ideas, where this dynamic has to stop." Yet, conflicting statements emerged, particularly from Russian officials, suggesting that expectations for a rapid breakthrough were overly optimistic.
As the negotiations were underway, the conflict in Ukraine raged on, with incidents of violence reported from the ground. A significant missile strike in the city of Sumy left at least 88 people injured, including 17 children, while Russian media reported six casualties, which included three journalists, from an artillery attack by Ukrainian forces in Luhansk. Additionally, two civilians lost their lives to a drone strike in the Russian region of Belgorod, highlighting the ongoing intensity of military actions.
During the marathon session in Riyadh, both delegations took just three short breaks, illustrating the high stakes and focus required in their discussions. Sergei Karasin, who led the Russian delegation, expressed satisfaction with the dialogue, asserting, "The talks are in full swing. An interesting discussion of the most pressing issues is taking place." However, Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, cautioned that significant breakthroughs were unlikely at this stage in the negotiations, declaring that while various directions were being explored, "the negotiations should not be expected to produce a breakthrough."
The anticipated outcome for a potential agreement is not only about a ceasefire – the Black Sea grain export agreement has emerged as a critical point of contention. Reviving this agreement is essential for both Russia and Ukraine’s economic stability, as it would facilitate essential agricultural exports through the Black Sea, impacting food security and international markets alike.
In conversations surrounding future cooperation, U.S. negotiations involving Ukraine's nuclear power plants surfaced as a palpable concern. On March 19, during a call between U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, the potential for U.S. involvement in managing or owning these facilities was floated. While Zelenskiy denied any notions of transferring ownership, he did express a willingness to explore other forms of agreements for protection and management. "Normally, negotiations don’t last a day. Sometimes they last months, and some, like agreements in the Middle East, last years," said Serhiy Leshchenko, a key negotiator representing Kyiv.
This complex web of negotiations showcases the myriad demands from both sides. While the U.S. eyes control over nuclear facilities and the exploitation of Ukraine's rich mineral resources, other factors like NATO membership and prisoner exchanges further complicate the quest for peace. With multiple layers of negotiations, the question remains whether the meeting in Riyadh will yield substantive results or merely serve as another chapter in this protracted conflict.
As representatives from both sides continue to huddle in Riyadh, the existing challenges appear daunting. While parties remain committed to finding pathways to ceasefire and cooperation, the stark realities on the ground call into question whether substantial progress can be made swiftly. Whatever the outcome, the search for dignity in dialogue amidst desperate conditions is a paramount necessity in moving towards lasting peace.
