Compromise seen as key to peace

As separate meetings between the United States, Russia and Ukraine entered the third day on Tuesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, officials and experts said the talks could pave the way for a ceasefire and ultimately end the protracted conflict only if both sides are sincere and willing to make compromises.

Reviving the Black Sea deal, which was signed in 2022 to ensure the safe commercial shipping of grain crops and other items, and from which Russia withdrew a year later, was among the top topics said to be discussed at the meetings.

US negotiators expressed the hope that a resurrection of the deal would lead to a 30-day ceasefire on the ground and in the air, which could then facilitate a more permanent cessation of hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.