The US, under the guidance of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, has been actively involved in negotiations with Russia's counterpart Sergey Lavrov, discussing concrete aspects of implementing understandings. A key development is the proposed halt in fighting, which Kyiv agreed to after talks in Saudi Arabia, facilitated by the US.
This move has sparked interest from some European countries, including Hungary and Slovakia, who are considering buying Russian pipeline gas if a peace deal is reached. However, this decision comes with a caveat: the European Union has set a condition for lifting sanctions against Russia, requiring the unconditional withdrawal of all Russian military forces from Ukraine's territory.
The talks between the US and Russia have also touched on other pressing issues, including safe navigation, refraining from force, and preventing military use of commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed skepticism about Moscow's intentions, accusing them of not wanting to end the war.
The US and Russian delegations have met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following previous negotiations with American teams.