Russia and U.S. Set to Release Joint Statement on Black Sea and Ceasefire

A joint statement by Russia and the United States is expected to be made public on March 25, 2025, following extensive talks in Riyadh. Sources close to the Russian delegation reported that the discussions, which lasted over 12 hours on March 24, were part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. The Russian side characterized the discussions as “expert consultations,” emphasizing their technical nature. The upcoming document is anticipated to outline the agreements reached and propose further steps.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on March 23 that a key topic of the discussions was the potential resumption of the Black Sea grain initiative, which had ceased to function in 2023. Peskov indicated that Moscow is focused on ensuring safe shipping in the Black Sea to facilitate the resumption of food and fuel exports. However, he did not specify the conditions that the Kremlin considers necessary for rejoining the agreement that previously allowed for Ukrainian grain exports through Black Sea ports.

On the U.S. side, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reported that a recent phone conversation between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin resulted in a fundamental agreement to halt attacks on air infrastructure. Waltz described this as a significant first step toward a broader ceasefire. He noted that the American delegation in Riyadh aimed to discuss the establishment of a naval truce in the Black Sea to stabilize trade routes in the region. He emphasized that the next step should involve agreeing on ceasefire terms along the front lines and developing a long-term peace plan to end the three-year conflict.

The Riyadh talks are part of a renewed diplomatic initiative that began in March 2025. Earlier, on March 11, representatives from Ukraine and the United States had met in Jeddah, where Kyiv expressed willingness to enter into a 30-day ceasefire, contingent on Moscow’s agreement. Concurrently, Washington resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, signaling a commitment to increase pressure on Russia.

American and Russian representatives in Riyadh worked on drafting a joint statement that is expected to reflect a compromise on shipping and outline a partial truce. However, the Kremlin has indicated that no formal agreements are anticipated to be signed during this meeting, as Peskov described the talks as merely the beginning of a longer process.