Black Sea countries in the European Union (EU) such as Romania and Bulgaria are concerned that such an agreement could give Russia more power and affect regional security.
US President Donald Trump is determined to quickly end the Ukrainian conflict and begin direct negotiations with Russia and Ukraine without the participation of the EU. This is a big concern for European countries, especially those bordering the Black Sea.
According to EU officials, Ukraine has pushed the Russian Navy back from the western Black Sea, which is one of Kiev's most important achievements in more than three years of conflict.
However, a new deal could reopen the door for Russia to increase naval activity in the region, endangering Romania and Bulgaria.
Russia and the US ended a 12-hour period of talks in Riyadh on March 24 on maritime security and the possibility of restoring the Black Sea Initiative mediated by the United Nations and Turkey in July 2022.
The Black Sea initiative allows food and fertilizer to be exported from three Ukrainian ports. To persuade Russia to agree to the initiative, a three-year treaty has also been signed, in which the United Nations agreed to help Russia overcome all obstacles to the country's food and fertilizer exports.
However, a year later, Russia withdrew from the deal in July 2023, accusing the West of failing to fully fulfill its commitments. Now, President Donald Trump is considering returning the deal as part of a comprehensive peace deal.
Russia has shown signs of moving towards expanding its naval activities in the Black Sea, according to the Financial Times.
EU officials say that if the US and Russia reach an agreement on the Black Sea, it could be an advantageous deal for Russia.
"This is our region and we cannot trust Russia if they are given more influence," a Romania official told the Financial Times.
RT quoted Russian and US officials as describing the talks on March 24 as "technical" and attended by intermediate officials, but the US side's statements remained very optimistic.
I think you will see some real progress in Saudi Arabia, especially as it affects the ceasefire in the Black Sea for ships between the two countries, US special forces behind Steve Witkoff told Fox News.
A joint statement on the talks is expected to be released on March 25, according to Russian news agencies RIA Novosti and TASS.
Grigory Karasin, a veteran diplomat and chairman of the National Assembly's International Relations Commission and a member of the Russian delegation, described the talks in Riyadh as "creative" but also "technical".
Not every negotiation brings a prestigious document or agreement, Mr. Karasin told reporters. The important thing is to maintain communication and understand each others positions. Regarding this issue, we are successful.
