**Russia Supports Resumption of Black Sea Initiative**
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on March 25 that Moscow is willing to resume the Black Sea Grain Initiative in a form “more acceptable to everybody.” This announcement comes after 12-hour talks with the US in Riyadh on March 24.
**Background on Black Sea Initiative**
The Black Sea Grain Initiative was first brokered by the UN and Turkey in 2022 to allow Ukraine to ship out its grain despite Russia’s ongoing invasion. The deal allowed for Ukrainian grain to be exported through the Black Sea, but broke down a year later after Russia withdrew, citing concerns over its fertilizer industry.
**Ukraine’s Efforts**
Despite the initial deal breaking down, Ukraine has managed to reopen the Black Sea corridor on its own, thanks in part to a sustained drone and missile campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet. However, some countries in the region have expressed concern that a new US-Russia deal could be favorable to Moscow.
**US-Russia Talks**
The Kremlin refused to provide details on the March 24 talks, describing them as “technical.” The negotiations were followed by a brief meeting between the US and Ukrainian delegations in Riyadh. Ukraine’s team previously met with the US delegates to discuss technical aspects of a proposed ceasefire.
**Ceasefire Efforts**
US President Joe Biden has sought to broker a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine as a step toward a broader peace deal. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected this proposal earlier this month, agreeing only to a temporary pause on attacks against energy facilities.