US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has stated that discussions between the US and Russia in Riyadh will center on a ceasefire in the Black Sea and methods to ensure adherence to a broader truce.
According to Waltz’s Sunday statement on CBS, a key topic at the upcoming US-Russia meeting in Riyadh will be a maritime truce in the Black Sea. The agreement, if achieved, would enable both Russia and Ukraine to resume “move grain, fuel, and start conducting trade” activities in the region, the official noted.
Waltz highlighted the US role in facilitating peace, expressing optimism by saying: “we’re closer to peace than we ever have been.” These remarks precede a fresh round of negotiations between Russian and US representatives scheduled for Monday.
He characterized the forthcoming discussions as “proximity talks.” In addition to the Black Sea ceasefire, the two sides are anticipated to explore options for a more comprehensive truce, the national security advisor indicated. “We’ll talk the line of control… details of verification mechanisms, peace keeping, you know, freezing the lines where they are.”
Waltz also mentioned that the agenda includes the matter of a “broader and permanent peace” and “security guarantees” for Kiev.
Waltz revealed on Wednesday that he had spoken with Yury Ushakov, President Putin’s foreign policy advisor, by phone to discuss the specifics of the upcoming meeting.
Ushakov verified that “a conversation did take place,” and confirmed that the meeting in Riyadh would primarily address the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.”
The possibility of a maritime ceasefire was initially brought up by President Trump during a phone conversation with Putin on Tuesday. The Russian President supported the concept and consented to begin discussions on the specifics of a potential arrangement.
“`