During talks in Riyadh, the US delegation agreed with representatives of Ukraine and Russia to prevent attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. The White House stated this in its statement following the meetings.
“The United States and Ukraine have agreed to ensure the safety of navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea,” the statement said.
The United States reached a similar agreement during negotiations with the Russians.
Defense Minister Rustem Umerov emphasized that Russia’s movement of its warships beyond the eastern part of the Black Sea would be considered a violation of the spirit of this agreement, a violation of its obligations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea, and a threat to Ukraine’s national security.
“In this case, Ukraine will have every right to exercise its right to self-defense,” he said.
In addition, the US delegation agreed with Ukraine and Russia to develop measures to mutually stop attacks on energy facilities in Russia and Ukraine.
The White House emphasized that the United States remains committed to facilitating the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian prisoners, and the return of forcibly displaced Ukrainian children.
In addition, the United States said it would help restore Russia’s access to the global market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, reduce marine insurance costs, and expand access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
Technical talks between the US delegations and representatives of Ukraine and Russia in Riyadh lasted from March 23 to 25.
