Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry/ Handout/Anadolu
Photo : Russian Foreign Ministry/ Handout/Anadolu
By Padmashre Anandhan
On 24 March, the US and Russia settled talks in Saudi Arabia on a possible Black Sea ceasefire without an agreement. However, a draft joint statement was sent to both governments for agreement. The discussions were viewed as a step towards a larger Ukraine ceasefire after the US-Ukrainian talks.
On 24 March, the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia negotiations attempted to negotiate a limited ceasefire in Ukraine, mainly regarding energy infrastructure and “safe navigation in the Black Sea.” While Ukraine has reiterated its readiness to agree to a 30-day ceasefire, it pursued clarity on technical specifics, including safety for civilian infrastructure. Russia claims it had already stopped airstrikes on energy facilities following talks between President Putin and Trump, nevertheless, Russian drone and glide bomb occurrences on military targets in Ukraine continue according to the Ukrainian military. Moreover, negotiations will discuss a US-proposed maritime ceasefire, which follows Russia’s exit from a Turkey-brokered grain deal. Ukraine seeks security guarantees for its ports, particularly Odesa, which has been
subject to frequent Russian attacks.
WAR ON GROUND
On 24 March, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of intentionally extending the war. He emphasised that Moscow was blocking efforts to secure a ceasefire. In his everyday address, he highlighted that Ukraine had agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in March, however, Russia continued its attacks instead of agreeing to the deal. This comes as the ongoing drone strikes of Russia continue resulting in injuries and deaths. He also criticized Russia’s President Vladimir Putin’s “preconditions for peace,” which include ending Western aid where Russia could continue its aggression.
On 24 March, Ukraine’s air force reported destroying 57 out of 99 drones launched by Russia along with another 36 failing to reach the targets. Meanwhile, Russia’s air force claimed to have shot down 28 Ukrainian drones, including 12 over the Kursk border region and another 12 over the Rostov region. Additional interceptions were reported over Crimea, Krasnodar, and the Sea of Azov. This comes after a deadly Russian bombardment on 22 March that killed seven people in Ukraine.
On 24 March, Ukraine’s state railway company reported a massive cyberattack that interrupted its online services. While the company did not provide exact particulars, it labelled the attack as "systemic, non-trivial, and multi-level." Despite the interruption, train operations were reportedly continued without delays. Efforts to reestablish online systems have been ongoing, with tickets being retailed offline. Since the war, Ukraine’s railway system has become a vital passage network and large freight volumes.
On 24 March, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha criticised the Russian strike on Sumy that injured civilians, this includes children. He discharged Russia’s statements on negotiations, calling an end to attacks on civilians. While US-Russia talks on a ceasefire remain, Sybiha asserted that diplomacy with Russia must be strengthened with military strength, sanctions, and pressure to be operative.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 24 March, the Kremlin issued a statement that Russia and the US shared a common understanding on proceeding with a settlement to end the war in Ukraine, although substantial variances persist. Talks in Saudi Arabia are surrounding technical matters, including the Black Sea Initiative for safe maritime navigation. Russian President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia was revising its “moratorium on attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure,” mentioning continuous Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities. While the deal previously facilitated Ukrainian grain exports, Russia withdrew in 2023, citing unfulfilled commitments, including barriers to its own food and fertilizer exports due to payment and logistics restrictions. Moscow insists that these concerns must be addressed in any renewed agreement. Despite demanding restraint, Russia continues nightly drone attacks on Ukrainian cities according to reports from Ukraine, violating the moratorium. Ukraine insists that a formal agreement is necessary before it suspends its strikes.
References:
“Russian missile hits hospital and homes, says Ukraine, as talks on possible truce continue,” BBC, 23 March 2025
“Ukraine updates: Russia and US discuss ceasefire,” Deutsche Welle, 24 March 2025
“US-Russia talks on Ukraine war: What’s on the table in Saudi Arabia?,” Al Jazeera, 24 March 2025
“Ukraine sees Russian effort to sow chaos as cyberattack hits rail service,” Reuters, 25 March 2025
“Russia and U.S. Begin Ceasefire Talks in Saudi Arabia,” The Moscow Times, 24 March 2025
“Kremlin says Russia and US have common understanding on need for settlement in Ukraine,” 24 March 2025
“Any diplomacy with Russia must be backed up by firepower and pressure, says Ukraine's foreign minister,” pravda.com.ua, 24 March 2025
“US, Russia wrap up talks on proposed Black Sea ceasefire,” Reuters, 25 March 2025