Europe Balks as US Mulls Prospect of Easing Restrictions on Russia

Moscow says it is ready to revive a Black Sea grain initiative—part of a would-be cease-fire deal—if its long-standing demands for sanctions relief are met.

A general view of the Ritz-Carlton hotel, where talks between Russia and the United States are being held aimed at ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 24, 2025. Mohammed Benmansour/Reuters

News Analysis

Last week, U.S. and Russian officials held marathon talks in Saudi capital Riyadh with the aim of reaching a cease-fire deal between Russia and Ukraine in the Black Sea.