Behind closed doors in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the United States have begun a delicate diplomatic dance. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, recent expert consultations in Riyadh centered on ensuring safe navigation in the Black Sea, though ceasefire discussions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict were also on the table. In this article, we unpack the talks, drawing insights from Doctor of Historical Sciences Nikolai Platoshkin, who joined Svobodnaya Pressa to shed light on what’s at stake—and what’s left unsaid.
A Step Toward Diplomacy
The negotiations mark a shift. Just six months ago, such a dialogue seemed impossible. Now, representatives from both nations acknowledge that while their positions often diverge, a framework for interaction is emerging. Lavrov highlighted Black Sea navigation as a priority, but Platoshkin emphasizes that a ceasefire—potentially lasting 30 days with options for extension—is the real goal. “The Americans have managed to move the process forward,” he notes, though he cautions that a partial ceasefire limited to the Black Sea would be insufficient without addressing land-based hostilities.
The Territorial Puzzle
A key sticking point is the border. Russia insists Ukrainian troops withdraw from four regions constitutionally claimed as Russian territory. Platoshkin suggests two scenarios: a ceasefire along the current front line or a Ukrainian pullback from these regions, which could resolve 90% of the territorial dispute. “The most important issue is where this ceasefire line will be drawn,” he says. Leaks from the Kremlin hint at efforts to make a partial ceasefire viable, but questions remain: Who will monitor it? Where will military equipment go? Neutral observers from countries like India, Brazil, or Switzerland could play a role, Platoshkin predicts.
NATO’s Shadow and Trump’s Promise
Complicating matters is the specter of NATO. Could alliance troops enter Ukraine as peacekeepers, echoing the unfulfilled Minsk agreements? Platoshkin dismisses this, arguing that European public opinion would revolt against casualties. “Europeans are not ready to receive zinc coffins from Ukraine,” he says, noting their lack of combat experience compared to Russian or Ukrainian forces. Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s pledge to end the conflict before taking office remains unfulfilled two months into his term. The U.S. continues supplying Ukraine with intelligence, and arms support remains murky—prompting accusations of a double game.
A New Security Landscape?
With the U.S. signaling a potential step back from NATO leadership, Platoshkin questions whether it’s time to rethink European security. Sweden and Finland’s recent NATO membership has bolstered the alliance, yet he doubts NATO’s unity in a real conflict, citing past incidents like the 2015 Turkish downing of a Russian plane. “Everything in NATO ends in consultations,” he quips. For now, the focus remains on twisting Ukraine’s arm to cede territory—a move the U.S. is reportedly pushing, though the trade-offs are unclear.
Which Peace Plan Will Prevail?
Trump’s ceasefire proposal offers a starting point, but Platoshkin advocates a broader vision: voluntary reunification of Russia and Ukraine to end hostility long-term. Whether this, a European plan, or a third option wins out, the talks in Saudi Arabia signal that diplomacy, however cautious, is back in play. What remains behind the scenes may shape the region’s future more than official statements reveal.
Author: Planet Today
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/03/russia-us-talks-in-saudi-arabia.html