Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on US-Russia Talks for Ukraine Ceasefire and Black Sea Grain Deal

US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia

• 🇺🇸🇷🇺 US and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia aimed at securing a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea.
• 🗣️ A member of Moscow's delegation described the talks as challenging but useful, with discussions expected to continue involving the UN and other countries.
• ⏳ There are no immediate signs of a joint statement, leading to anxiety, with the expected release time having passed.

Kremlin's Analysis and Expectations

• 📊 Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the outcomes of the meeting have been sent to respective capitals for analysis.
• 🤫 Peskov indicated that discussions focused on technical details that would not be made public, but understandings could be discussed later.
• ⏳ This response is interpreted by some as the Kremlin kicking the can down the road or buying time to formulate plans.

Black Sea Grain Deal Context

• 🌾 At the core of the discussions is Moscow's desire to restore the Black Sea grain deal, originally struck in the summer of 2022.
• 🌍 The deal previously allowed millions of tons of Ukrainian grain to be exported and facilitated the global market for Russian food and fertilizer.
• ❌ Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023, citing a lack of perceived benefits.

Ongoing Conflict in Ukraine

• 💥 Meanwhile, fighting continues in Ukraine, with Russia reportedly launching 139 attack drones and a ballistic missile overnight, injuring at least two people.
• 📈 Despite the talks, the situation on the ground remains active.