The discussions focus on reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which previously allowed Ukraine to export grain via the Black Sea, the Reuters news agency reported.
Russia withdrew from the deal in 2023, arguing that its own food and fertilizer exports faced significant obstacles.
Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor, has said that the negotiations in Saudi Arabia will address maritime transport security.
According to Polish broadcaster TVN24, Russia sent two negotiators under US sanctions to the talks in Riyadh - Sergey Beseda, former head of the FSB’s 5th Directorate, which was responsible for planning the invasion of Ukraine, and Grigory Karasin.
Russian news agency TASS has reported that the talks at the Ritz-Carlton hotel will be held behind closed doors, but no additional security measures have been put in place at the venue.
No direct talks planned between Russia and Ukraine
According to The Washington Post, these talks could be beneficial for Russia, as Ukraine has gained an advantage in the Black Sea using naval drones, effectively immobilizing much of the Russian fleet.
The US delegation consists of lower-level experts without ministerial representation, Polish state news agency PAP reported, citing The Washington Post.
A direct meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian delegations is not planned, highlighting the significant divide between the two sides - despite US President Donald Trump’s claim that "peace has never been closer," the PAP news agency said.
(mp/gs)
Source: IAR/PAP/Reuters/TASS/TVN24/Washington Post