Negotiations in Riyadh. All parties agreed on safe navigation in the Black Sea

The United States has held several rounds of bilateral talks with Ukraine and separately with Russia. These talks were held on March 23-25, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. As a result, the parties agreed on safe navigation in the Black Sea.

According to a White House statement, the United States and Russia agreed to ensure safe navigation, eliminate the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.

The United States also promised to promote the restoration of Russian exports of agricultural products and fertilizers to the world market, including reducing the cost of marine insurance and expanding access to ports and payment systems.

In addition, the parties agreed to develop measures to implement the agreement on the prohibition of attacks on energy facilities of Russia and Ukraine.

At the same time, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov highlighted five key outcomes of the talks in Saudi Arabia.

According to him, firstly, all parties agreed to ensure safe navigation (shipping), stop the use of force, and prevent the use of commercial vessels for military purposes in the Black Sea.

He emphasized that “Russia’s movement of its military vessels beyond the Eastern Black Sea will be considered a violation of the spirit of this agreement and will be considered a violation of its obligations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and a threat to the national security of Ukraine. In such a case, Ukraine will have the full right to exercise the right to self-defense.”

Secondly, the parties agreed to implement the agreements of the presidents on a complete ban on attacks on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia.

Thirdly, according to the minister, the parties welcome the involvement of third countries in order to ensure support for the implementation of energy and maritime agreements.

Fourthly, all parties will continue to work towards achieving a sustainable and lasting peace, Umerov added.

Fifthly, the US has confirmed its support in helping to implement the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees and the return of forcibly removed Ukrainian children.

President Zelensky confirmed that agreements have been reached in Saudi Arabia on silence in the Black Sea and the introduction of a ban on strikes on energy infrastructure. He said this at a meeting with journalists, Suspilne reports.

According to him, the embargo may come into effect immediately after the White House publishes its statements. He said this at a meeting with journalists.

“Defense Minister Umerov asked the American side when the agreements could come into force. And they believe that immediately after the US officially issues statements, implementation could take place. Yes, the Russians have no faith here. But we will be constructive,” Zelensky said.

Tags: Ukraine, Russia, USA, Black Sea grain corridor