No cameras and no loud statements. How the US-Russia talks went in Riyadh
24 March 20:02
on March 24, 2025, informal, non-public talks between representatives of the United States and Russia, which lasted more than 10 hours, are coming to an end in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Reuters.
According to US President Donald Trump, Riyadh is discussing territorial issues and possible demarcation lines in Ukraine.
In addition, the American leader said that the United States and Ukraine are preparing an agreement on the distribution of mineral revenues and discussing the possible control of American companies over Ukrainian power plants.
What is known about Russia and the US negotiations in Saudi Arabia
These contacts have the character of “backchannel diplomacy” – behind-the-scenes negotiations without official statements, press conferences, or protocol publicity. Their goal is not to conclude peace agreements, but to keep communication channels open amid the ongoing war in Ukraine and high tensions between the two countries.
The meeting was organized by Saudi Arabia, which actively promotes itself as a neutral platform for international dialogue. Riyadh has already made attempts to participate in peace initiatives, particularly in the context of the Ukrainian conflict and energy security.
What is on the agenda of the talks
1. Ukraine. The possibility of freezing the conflict or reaching a temporary truce. Coordination of humanitarian channels, evacuation, and exchange of prisoners. Conditions under which the sanctions regime can be eased.
2. Nuclear security. Control over nuclear facilities in the temporarily occupied territories. The prospect of returning to the inspection mechanisms under the New START Treaty, which was de facto suspended in 2023. Measures to prevent nuclear provocations and misunderstandings.
3. Military risks and contacts. Discussion of incidents between Russian and NATO warships and aircraft, especially in the Black Sea. Agreeing on conflict prevention protocols and hotlines.
Why it is needed and what not to expect
Washington emphasizes that this is not a peace negotiation or an attempt to negotiate the recognition of the status quo. This is a minimum diplomatic insurance against uncontrolled escalation – an attempt to maintain working communication mechanisms amid the deepest confrontation between the United States and Russia since the Cold War.
“This is an attempt not to resolve the conflict, but to keep it from getting out of hand,” one White House source commented on the situation on condition of anonymity.
Context and significance
This is the first meeting of this level since the beginning of 2024. Previous channels of interaction froze after the failure of negotiations in Turkey and the escalation in Donbas. Saudi Arabia, as a country with strong energy and diplomatic ties to both sides, sees itself as a mediator in a crisis that affects global security and energy markets.
For Ukraine, these talks can be both a risk and an opportunity, depending on whether its interests are discussed directly or behind its back.
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