• US-Russia talks are set for March 24 in Riyadh regarding the Ukraine conflict.
• Both Ukraine and Russia confirmed attendance at separate meetings with US officials.
• Vladimir Putin has appointed Sergey Beseda, a controversial figure, for negotiations.
• The focus of discussions will include safety measures for navigation in the Black Sea.
• The talks aim to discuss a potential partial ceasefire in Ukraine.

As tensions remain high over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, negotiations between US and Russian officials are scheduled to take place on March 24 in Saudi Arabia. Channel News Asia reported that Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed the upcoming consultations, with key representatives from both sides participating. Grigory Karasin, chairman of the Senate's committee on international affairs, and Sergey Beseda, an advisor to the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), will lead the Russian delegation. These meetings follow a series of discussions involving US President Donald Trump and both leaders of Ukraine and Russia, Vladimir Zelenskyy and Putin, respectively.

The US officials plan to engage in separate talks with the Ukrainian and Russian teams, as confirmed by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. This approach is part of a strategic effort to facilitate what has been termed "shuttle diplomacy" to secure a viable ceasefire and address safety in the critical maritime routes of the Black Sea, where both nations have significant interests.

According to Al Jazeera, Zelenskyy highlighted that despite a preference for a broader ceasefire, a targeted halt to attacks on energy infrastructure is a key point of discussion. This limited ceasefire, aimed primarily at protecting Ukraine’s energy facilities, reflects a cautious approach amidst ongoing hostilities.

Amidst this backdrop, Sergey Beseda's recent appointment has garnered attention. Once a high-ranking officer in Russia's intelligence community, he was reported to have experienced a fall from grace due to perceived failures in intelligence assessments prior to the Ukraine invasion in 2022. Newsweek noted his controversial history, including rumored periods of house arrest following a fallout that raised questions about his reliability. However, his involvement in negotiations suggests a potential return to favor within the Kremlin, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within Russia's leadership.

As the talks approach, hopes for a productive dialogue linger, with the international community closely monitoring developments. The focus remains on how effectively these negotiations can contribute to de-escalating tensions and fostering better relations moving forward.

For additional information, visit the source article at Channel News Asia.