The United States and Russia are anticipated to issue a significant joint statement on Tuesday morning, following crucial discussions held in Saudi Arabia aimed at establishing a maritime ceasefire deal in the Black Sea. According to sources familiar with the situation, this statement is expected to be released at 4 a.m. in Washington, D.C., and at 11 a.m. in Moscow.
While specific details of the upcoming statement remain unclear, reports provided to the Trump administration by the U.S. technical team present in Riyadh indicate a sense of optimism regarding the negotiations. Additionally, Ukrainian officials have been kept in the loop about the discussions, suggesting a multi-faceted approach to the ongoing crisis.
The previous maritime agreement, which was brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, allowed for shipping operations in the Black Sea, facilitating the export of grain from both countries. However, this arrangement was abandoned by Russia in 2023, escalating tensions in the region and hindering the flow of essential goods.
In the current talks, key U.S. officials, including Michael Anton from the State Department and Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council, are engaging with their Russian counterparts. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz emphasized during an appearance on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan that a ceasefire concerning aerial infrastructure took effect immediately following a call between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Waltz articulated that the next priority is establishing a maritime ceasefire, which would permit the movement of critical supplies such as grain, fuel, and other goods. He elaborated that discussions would then progress to address the line of control—referring to the actual front lines—where intricate details concerning verification mechanisms, peacekeeping, and the freezing of current positions would be discussed. Ultimately, the goal is to pave the way for a more comprehensive and lasting peace agreement.
While separate negotiations are ongoing between U.S. officials and representatives from both Ukraine and Russia, hostilities continue, with both nations engaged in mutual attacks. This complex scenario underscores the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to facilitate stability in the region and ensure the safe passage of vital resources through the Black Sea.
