Difficult Dialogue: US and Russia End Talks Without Joint Statement

Talks between US and Russian officials aimed at resolving the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict have concluded in Riyadh without a joint statement, Orda.kz reports.

According to CBS News, which cited diplomatic sources, a joint statement had been expected on March 25 at 1:00 p.m. Astana time. However, no such announcement was made. As of now, the outcome of the negotiations can only be interpreted through scattered media reports.

CBS News described the American delegation as appearing "optimistic." US officials reportedly continue parallel discussions with their Ukrainian counterparts, focusing on the potential terms of a ceasefire.

On the Russian side, Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs, told TASS that the talks left him with a “constructive dialogue impression.”

We talked about everything. It was an intense dialogue, not easy, but very useful for us and the Americans. Many issues were raised. Of course, not everything was resolved or agreed upon, Karasin said, offering few specifics. 

The Associated Press notes that no consensus has been reached on key elements of a potential 30-day ceasefire agreement.

The US insists that "energy and infrastructure" facilities should be protected from strikes. Russia, however, is reportedly only willing to exclude “energy infrastructure” from its target list. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for railways and ports also to be included in the protected zones.

The absence of a joint statement suggests the parties failed to reach an understanding on these critical issues.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks have reportedly targeted the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, through which Kazakhstan's oil is exported.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny