U.S. and Russia expected to make joint statement following talks focused on Black Sea ceasefire deal

U.S. and Russia expected to make joint statement following talks focused on Black Sea ceasefire deal

                                                                                   

The United States and Russia are set to release a joint statement on Tuesday morning following discussions in Saudi Arabia aimed at securing a Black Sea maritime ceasefire, sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.

The statement is expected to be issued at 4 a.m. in Washington, D.C., and 11 a.m. in Moscow, according to two sources. While the exact details remain unclear, reports from the U.S. technical team in Riyadh, shared with the Trump administration, indicate a sense of optimism, the sources added.

Ukrainian officials have also been briefed on the developments, one source noted.

A previous agreement, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, had facilitated maritime shipping in the Black Sea, enabling both Russia and Ukraine to export grain. However, Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023.

Among the U.S. officials involved in the talks with their Russian counterparts are Michael Anton from the State Department and Andrew Peek from the White House National Security Council.

                                                                                    

Speaking on CBS's Face The Nation on Sunday, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz stated that a ceasefire on aerial infrastructure had taken effect immediately after President Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The next step, he explained, was achieving a maritime ceasefire to ensure the movement of grain, fuel, and other essential goods.

“Then we’ll discuss the line of control, which involves the front lines, verification mechanisms, peacekeeping efforts, and freezing positions as they are. Ultimately, the goal is a broader and lasting peace,” Waltz said.

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, hostilities between Russia and Ukraine persist, with both nations continuing to launch attacks against each other.

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