MOSCOW, March 24. /TASS/. President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates have discussed dialogue between Moscow and Washington on resolving the conflict in Ukraine, the Kremlin press service reported.
"The leaders discussed the current Russia-US dialogue aimed at finding ways to peacefully resolve the Ukraine conflict and normalize bilateral relations between Moscow and Washington," the Kremlin said following a phone call between the two heads of state.
"Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed support for the efforts of Russia and the US, particularly welcoming the consultations between the two countries’ experts that are taking place in Riyadh today," the Russian presidential press service added.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Donald Trump of the United States earlier launched diplomatic dialogue to restore bilateral relations and resolve the Ukraine conflict. As part of the process, Russia-US consultations are taking place in the Saudi capital of Riyadh today, with the focus being on the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative.
The Black Sea Initiative, also known as the grain deal, was aimed at providing a safe corridor for the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports and also easing the export of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers. However, most of the Ukrainian grain was taken to the European countries, contrary to the agreement, while the main goal of the deal - ensuring grain supplies to the countries in need - was never achieved. Moreover, commitments to Russia weren’t fulfilled, which prompted Moscow to withdraw from the deal in July 2023.