Black Sea ceasefire looms after marathon USA‑Russia talks
The USA and Russia are poised to issue a joint statement following discussions about a ceasefire in the Black Sea, as reported by CBS News.
- The USA and Russia are set to announce a joint statement concerning the ceasefire in the Black Sea.
- Negotiations between the USA and Russian delegations lasted around 12 hours and were technical in nature. The talks included, among others, 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. In Kyiv, three people were killed, including a child.
Two CBS News sources say the statement is expected to be released at 11 a.m. Moscow time. While the details of the statement remain unclear, the sources added that reports sent to the Trump administration by the American technical team in Riyadh appeared optimistic.
USA-Russia talks lasted 12 hours
The previous agreement, negotiated by the UN and Turkey, which Russia withdrew from in 2023, allowed for maritime navigation in the Black Sea, enabling both countries to export grain.
Among the American officials meeting with Russian representatives were Michael Anton from the State Department and Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council.
Waltz announces success, but Russia attacks Ukrainian cities
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated on Sunday during the programme "Face The Nation with Margaret Brennan" that the ceasefire regarding air infrastructure came into effect immediately after President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's phone conversation.
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 using drones. "Simply hell" was the phrase that appeared on one of the Telegram channels. On March 20, Ukrainian sources reported a massive Russian attack on Odesa. On March 23, in another night attack on Ukraine, Russia used 147 drones. As reported by the Ukrainian Air Force, 97 of them were shot down. Unfortunately, drone debris fell on homes and streets, causing death and destruction. In Kyiv, three people, including a five-year-old child, were killed, and 10 people were injured. On Monday, Russian missiles injured over 70 people in Sumy. A school and a hospital were among the structures damaged.
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 between the USA and Russian delegations regarding the war in Ukraine concluded. The negotiations, described as technical in nature, lasted approximately 12 hours.
