U.S. concludes key agreements with Ukraine and Russia on security
On Tuesday, the United States announced that, following negotiations held in Saudi Arabia from March 23 to 25, separate agreements were concluded with Ukraine and Russia.
These agreements aim to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and establish concrete measures for the enforcement of the ban on attacks against energy infrastructure.
According to an official statement, the parties agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the conversion of commercial vessels for military purposes. Additionally, they committed to developing measures for the implementation of a joint agreement prohibiting attacks on energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.
The document also includes support for efforts to exchange prisoners of war, release civilian detainees, and repatriate forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
“The United States and Ukraine welcome the willingness of third-party countries to support the implementation of agreements on energy and maritime security, and announce that they will continue their joint efforts to achieve lasting and sustainable peace,” the White House stated in a press release.
The Kremlin refused to disclose the details of the marathon negotiations between the Russian and U.S. delegations held in Riyadh on March 24. “These are technical discussions that delved into the details,” said Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson. “The public will not be informed about the discussions’ progression.” Contacts will continue, although the exact terms have yet to be established, he clarified.
Meanwhile, Reuters reported that, following negotiations between the U.S. and Russian delegations, a “positive statement” is expected soon.
The negotiations between the U.S. and Russian delegations, which lasted throughout the day on March 24, concluded around 10:00 p.m. Moldova time. A day earlier, on March 23, discussions were held between U.S. representatives and Ukrainian officials. After the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation remained in Riyadh to await the results of the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia. On March 25, a new meeting took place between the Ukrainian delegation and U.S. representatives.
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated that Ukraine and Russia are close to reaching an agreement on a complete ceasefire.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
