US‑Russia set joint statement as Black Sea ceasefire looms
According to CBS News, the USA and Russia are set to announce a joint statement following talks regarding a ceasefire in the Black Sea.
- USA and Russia are to announce a joint statement concerning the ceasefire in the Black Sea.
- Negotiations between the US and Russian delegations lasted about 12 hours and were technical in nature. Participants included Michael Anton from the State Department and Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council.
- Attacks on Ukraine: In recent days, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Kropyvnytskyi and Odesa. Three people were killed in Kyiv, including a child.
Two CBS News sources say the statement is expected to be published at 4 a.m. Moscow Time. Although the details of the statement were not immediately clear, the sources added that reports presented to the Trump administration by the US technical team in Riyadh seemed optimistic.
US-Russia talks lasted 12 hours
The previous agreement negotiated by the UN and Turkey, from which Russia withdrew in 2023, allowed for maritime navigation in the Black Sea and permitted both countries to export grain.
Putin WON'T STOP – The West Must Act NOW | Gen. Ben Hodges on Ukraine, NATO & The West
Among the US officials meeting with Russian representatives are Michael Anton from the State Department and Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council.
Waltz announces success as Russia attacks Ukrainian cities
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on Sunday on the "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" program that the ceasefire regarding air infrastructure went into effect immediately after President Trump's phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, he did not mention that Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian cities.
In the past week, Russians attacked residential districts of the city of Kropyvnytskyi in central Ukraine with drones. "Simply hell," read one Telegram channel. On March 20, Ukrainian reports indicated a massive Russian attack on Odesa. On March 23, during another night attack on Ukraine, Russia used 147 drones. 97 of them, according to the Ukrainian Air Force, were shot down. Unfortunately, the drone debris fell on homes and streets, causing deaths and destruction. Three people were killed in Kyiv, including a five-year-old child, and 10 others were injured. On Monday, Russian missiles injured over 70 people in Sumy. A school and a hospital were among the damaged sites.
Waltz stated that the next point of discussion was a ceasefire at sea to enable the transport of grain, fuel, and other essential goods.
Trump's adviser explained that the next step would be addressing the line of control, which serves as the actual frontline. This process includes defining verification mechanisms, deploying peacekeeping forces, and solidifying the current territorial positions. Ultimately, the goal is to establish a broader and lasting peace.
On Monday evening, talks concluded between the US and Russian delegations regarding the war in Ukraine. The negotiations, reportedly technical in nature, lasted about 12 hours.
