Waltz unveils subjects of Russia-US discussions in Riyadh
Discussions surrounding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and mechanisms for verifying a broader truce will be key topics at the forthcoming US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, as indicated by US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on CBS this...
TroibNews 
Discussions surrounding a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea and mechanisms for verifying a broader truce will be key topics at the forthcoming US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, as indicated by US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on CBS this past Sunday.
Should an agreement be reached, the ceasefire would enable both Moscow and Kiev to “move grain, fuel, and start conducting trade” in the sea again, according to Waltz. He expressed optimism about the US-mediated peace initiatives, stating, “we’re closer to peace than we ever have been.” His remarks precede a new round of talks between Russian and US officials set for Monday.
Describing the upcoming discussions as “proximity talks,” Waltz noted that the parties are also expected to consider options for a more extensive truce. He elaborated, “We’ll talk the line of control… details of verification mechanisms, peace keeping, you know, freezing the lines where they are.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the agenda would include discussions on a “broader and permanent peace” along with “security guarantees” for Kiev. Waltz revealed that he had a phone conversation with Yury Ushakov, foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday to discuss the meeting's details.
In response, Ushakov confirmed that “a conversation did take place” and emphasized that the upcoming meeting in Riyadh would focus on the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.”
The topic of a maritime ceasefire was first introduced by US President Donald Trump during a phone call with Putin on Tuesday, to which the Russian president agreed and expressed willingness to commence talks on the specifics of a potential agreement.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
Should an agreement be reached, the ceasefire would enable both Moscow and Kiev to “move grain, fuel, and start conducting trade” in the sea again, according to Waltz. He expressed optimism about the US-mediated peace initiatives, stating, “we’re closer to peace than we ever have been.” His remarks precede a new round of talks between Russian and US officials set for Monday.
Describing the upcoming discussions as “proximity talks,” Waltz noted that the parties are also expected to consider options for a more extensive truce. He elaborated, “We’ll talk the line of control… details of verification mechanisms, peace keeping, you know, freezing the lines where they are.”
Additionally, he mentioned that the agenda would include discussions on a “broader and permanent peace” along with “security guarantees” for Kiev. Waltz revealed that he had a phone conversation with Yury Ushakov, foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Wednesday to discuss the meeting's details.
In response, Ushakov confirmed that “a conversation did take place” and emphasized that the upcoming meeting in Riyadh would focus on the “safety of navigation in the Black Sea.”
The topic of a maritime ceasefire was first introduced by US President Donald Trump during a phone call with Putin on Tuesday, to which the Russian president agreed and expressed willingness to commence talks on the specifics of a potential agreement.
Ian Smith for TROIB News
