The United States and Ukraine have concluded a new round of high-level technical talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reaching a series of agreements focused on maritime safety, humanitarian relief, and de-escalation of conflict-related risks in the Black Sea region.
The discussions, held March 23–25, followed recent presidential-level dialogue between President Donald J. Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The meetings represent the latest phase of U.S.-led efforts to reduce violence and facilitate peace between Ukraine and Russia, as part of a broader diplomatic initiative hosted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
READ :U.S. And Russia Reach Maritime, Energy Agreements During Black Sea Talks In Riyadh
According to the U.S. delegation, the talks yielded the following outcomes:
- The United States and Ukraine agreed to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea, prohibit the use of force in maritime operations, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes.
- The U.S. reaffirmed its commitment to support prisoner exchanges, the release of civilian detainees, and the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred from conflict zones — a major humanitarian concern highlighted by Kyiv and international rights organizations.
- Both countries agreed to begin implementing a joint commitment by Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy to ban strikes against energy infrastructure in both Ukraine and Russia.
- The parties welcomed the assistance of third-party nations to help oversee and support the implementation of both energy and maritime agreements.
- The delegations expressed a mutual commitment to continue working toward a durable and lasting peace.
In a broader statement following both the Ukraine and Russia talks, the United States emphasized President Trump’s insistence that “the killing on both sides must stop”, describing it as a critical step toward achieving a permanent resolution to the war.
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“The United States will continue facilitating negotiations between both sides in pursuit of a peaceful resolution, in line with the agreements made in Riyadh,” the U.S. statement said.
The meetings come amid ongoing international concern over the humanitarian impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has entered its third year with mounting civilian casualties, displacement, and infrastructure damage.
Notably, the inclusion of child repatriation and prisoner exchange commitments adds a significant humanitarian dimension to the U.S.-Ukraine discussions, distinguishing them from the parallel U.S.-Russia talks also held in Riyadh over the same period.
The U.S. extended its gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting both sets of talks, calling the effort a “critical contribution to peace diplomacy.”
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With the Riyadh meetings now concluded, the spotlight turns to the next phase of U.S. mediation efforts, which will likely involve bringing both Russian and Ukrainian representatives to the negotiating table for direct discussions — a challenge that U.S. officials acknowledge will require sustained international engagement.
The agreements struck this week, however, offer a potential framework for reducing hostilities and building momentum toward a longer-term settlement, according to analysts tracking the conflict.
As one U.S. official noted privately: “It’s not peace yet — but it’s a path.”
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