The United States and Russia concluded three days of bilateral technical-level talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a key step forward in implementing agreements made by President Donald J. Trump and President Vladimir Putin on issues surrounding the ongoing conflict and security dynamics in the Black Sea region.
The meetings, held from March 23–25, resulted in a series of confidence-building measures and practical agreements aimed at reducing tensions, enhancing maritime security, and preventing further escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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According to a joint statement released by the U.S. delegation:
- The U.S. and Russia have agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, eliminate the use of force in maritime zones, and prevent commercial vessels from being used for military purposes.
- The U.S. will assist in restoring Russia’s access to global markets for agricultural and fertilizer exports, including efforts to reduce maritime insurance costs and improve access to international ports and payment systems.
- Both countries will begin developing implementation measures for the Trump-Putin agreement to ban strikes on energy infrastructure in both Russia and Ukraine.
- The U.S. and Russia welcomed the involvement of third countries to support the enforcement of maritime and energy agreements reached in Riyadh.
- The delegations reaffirmed a shared commitment to continue dialogue toward a “durable and lasting peace.”
The talks reflect a shift toward diplomacy and economic stabilization, following recent escalations and significant humanitarian concerns related to the prolonged conflict in Ukraine. While the meeting did not include Ukrainian officials, the U.S. emphasized that it would continue facilitating direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in pursuit of an eventual peaceful settlement.
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“President Trump remains firm in his position that the killing on both sides must stop,” the statement read. “This is a necessary step toward an enduring peace.”
The talks were hosted under the auspices of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose government has emerged as a key diplomatic intermediary in recent months. The U.S. expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for once again providing the platform for critical dialogue.
The outcomes from Riyadh signal an early diplomatic success for President Trump’s renewed foreign policy agenda, particularly in re-engaging with Moscow and attempting to de-escalate the long-running war in Ukraine through a combination of economic incentives and mutual security guarantees.
While some international observers remain cautious, the latest agreements mark a rare moment of cooperation between Washington and Moscow amid one of the most volatile global conflicts in recent history.
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