Russia and USA set to discuss revival of Black Sea deal
On Monday, in Saudi Arabia, talks are scheduled between delegations from Russia and the USA. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that the main topic will be the restoration of the functioning of the so-called Black Sea Initiative.
Peskov stated that on Monday, "mainly" discussions will focus on "President Vladimir Putin's agreement" to restore the operation of the "so-called Black Sea initiative." "Our negotiators will be ready to discuss the nuances around this problem, and there are a huge number of them," he added, as quoted by the Russian agency Interfax.
This initiative was also, according to the Kremlin, the subject of a phone conversation between the leaders of the USA and Russia, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, conducted on March 18.
The 2022 agreement that Russia broke
The Black Sea Grain Initiative was agreed upon in July 2022 thanks to mediation by Turkey and the UN. This venture allowed, despite the war, the export of nearly 33 million metric tonnes of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Russia withdrew from the Initiative after a year, claiming that the export of its food and fertilizers is facing serious difficulties.
The White House stated that Trump and Putin agreed on March 18 to technical negotiations regarding the implementation of a ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as a full ceasefire and lasting peace.
