Chicago March 24, 2025
US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia on Monday to discuss a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. The talks aimed to make progress towards a broader agreement, with a focus on a separate Black Sea maritime ceasefire deal.
The meeting followed US negotiations with Ukraine in Saudi Arabia on Sunday. US President Donald Trump has been pushing to end the three-year-old conflict, having spoken to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin last week.
The White House hopes to secure a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, ensuring the safe passage of ships. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the talks prioritize the safety of navigation.
The US delegation was led by Andrew Peek and Michael Anton, while Russia was represented by Grigory Karasin and Sergei Beseda. Karasin described the consultations as progressing “creatively,” with discussions focusing on resolving bilateral issues.