White House Discloses Information on US-Russia Discussions in Riyadh
The recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia centered on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea and facilitating Russian access to the global agricultural market. The White House issued a brief statement concerning the US-Russia discussions,...
TroibNews 
The recent negotiations in Saudi Arabia centered on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea and facilitating Russian access to the global agricultural market.
The White House issued a brief statement concerning the US-Russia discussions, providing insight into the extensive talks that lasted over 12 hours on Monday.
According to the White House, the “bilateral technical-level talks” primarily addressed the situation in the Black Sea and included discussions about a proposed agreement to halt strikes on “energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine” suggested by US President Donald Trump.
The statement noted, “The United States and Russia 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.”
Additionally, the US has committed to “help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.” Both nations also affirmed their dedication to “working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace” to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that the negotiations included considerations for reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was initially brokered in July 2022 by the UN and Türkiye. This deal aimed to enable safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports in exchange for easing restrictions on Russian grain and fertilizer trade. Moscow chose not to renew the agreement in 2023, citing the West's failure to fulfill its obligations.
For a renewal of the deal, Moscow is seeking solid guarantees from the US, which Lavrov stated can “only result from a direct order issued by Washington to [Ukraine’s Vladimir] Zelensky and his team,” pointing out Ukraine’s tendency to disregard commitments. He added, “Russia’s position now is simple: We cannot take anyone’s word at face value.”
Lavrov emphasized, “We need the clearest, most specific, verifiable, working guarantees and mechanisms [to revive the deal].” He concluded, “We want the grain and fertilizer market to be predictable so that no one tries to kick us out of this market.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
The White House issued a brief statement concerning the US-Russia discussions, providing insight into the extensive talks that lasted over 12 hours on Monday.
According to the White House, the “bilateral technical-level talks” primarily addressed the situation in the Black Sea and included discussions about a proposed agreement to halt strikes on “energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine” suggested by US President Donald Trump.
The statement noted, “The United States and Russia 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.”
Additionally, the US has committed to “help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.” Both nations also affirmed their dedication to “working toward achieving a durable and lasting peace” to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov indicated that the negotiations included considerations for reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was initially brokered in July 2022 by the UN and Türkiye. This deal aimed to enable safe passage for Ukrainian agricultural exports in exchange for easing restrictions on Russian grain and fertilizer trade. Moscow chose not to renew the agreement in 2023, citing the West's failure to fulfill its obligations.
For a renewal of the deal, Moscow is seeking solid guarantees from the US, which Lavrov stated can “only result from a direct order issued by Washington to [Ukraine’s Vladimir] Zelensky and his team,” pointing out Ukraine’s tendency to disregard commitments. He added, “Russia’s position now is simple: We cannot take anyone’s word at face value.”
Lavrov emphasized, “We need the clearest, most specific, verifiable, working guarantees and mechanisms [to revive the deal].” He concluded, “We want the grain and fertilizer market to be predictable so that no one tries to kick us out of this market.”
Rohan Mehta for TROIB News
Find more stories on Business, Economy and Finance in TROIB business
