Russia, US aim for peaceful settlement on Ukraine conflict amid ongoing talks

Russia and the United States have expressed mutual desire and readiness to seek a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman stated.

Peskov noted that both nations are aligned in their commitment to pursue a peaceful settlement, although there are still many complex issues to address, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

“As for technical matters, negotiations are underway today in Riyadh between Russian and American delegations,” Peskov noted, referring to the ongoing discussions in the Saudi capital. He acknowledged that while there is a shared understanding of the need for a peaceful resolution, numerous details remain to be worked out before a comprehensive deal can be reached.

His comments followed US President Donald Trump’s recent statement that “contours of a deal” on Ukraine were already beginning to take shape.

This diplomatic breakthrough marks a potential shift towards de-escalation, as both nations recognize the importance of resolving the Ukraine conflict, which has been a source of tension for years. However, Peskov emphasized that significant hurdles remain, highlighting the technical and logistical challenges involved in such an agreement.

In addition to the broader discussions on Ukraine, one of the central issues being addressed in the current round of US-Russia talks is the renewal of the Black Sea Initiative. Peskov confirmed that this initiative, which aims to ensure the safety of navigation in the Black Sea, is a critical topic on the agenda.

“The Black Sea Initiative and all aspects related to its renewal are being discussed,” Peskov said, adding that the initiative was originally proposed by President Trump and subsequently agreed upon by President Putin. Russian delegates are in Riyadh with a clear mandate to engage on this issue, signaling its importance in the ongoing diplomatic dialogue.

Peskov clarified that the Black Sea Initiative’s primary focus remains on ensuring safe passage for ships. However, he also noted that the previous iteration of the initiative included several obligations for Russia, which, according to Peskov, were not fully fulfilled. These issues will be revisited during the current discussions.

“The safety of navigation is paramount,” Peskov emphasized, while also acknowledging that unresolved obligations from the past will feature prominently in the negotiations. He assured that any updates from these talks would be communicated directly to President Putin.

These ongoing discussions between the US and Russia are being closely watched by international observers, as they could serve as a pivotal step in reducing tensions between the two global powers and creating a pathway for future cooperation on regional security issues.

By Vafa Guliyeva