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The first round of negotiations between the delegations of Russia and the United States, held on Wednesday in Riyadh without representatives from Kiev, aimed to prepare for the meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump to discuss the conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting concluded in the early hours of Thursday, after the Russian delegate, Kirill Dmitriev, reported that Moscow is offering the Trump administration an agreement that includes access to Russia's natural resources and cooperation in the Arctic.
This is part of an effort to revive economic ties and possibly attract U.S. oil companies back to Russia, local press reported.
The high-level meeting, which included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marked the first official dialogues between the two powers since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The discussions also covered global energy prices and the possibility of future economic cooperation, which includes the invitation from Moscow for American oil companies to return to the country and participate in joint projects in the Arctic.
Dmitriev recalled the success that American companies had in Russia before the war and noted that collaboration in areas such as the Arctic could benefit both nations.
"We believe that at some point, they (the American companies) will return, because why would they start giving up the opportunity to access the natural resources of Russia that Russia offered them?" commented Dmitriev.
He also mentioned that American companies had "very successful businesses" in Russia before the sanctions came into effect.
U.S. companies, including Exxon Mobil, had significant investments in Russia before the sanctions, with Exxon involved in the Sakhalin 1 oil project. Following the imposition of sanctions, Exxon and other major oil service companies such as Halliburton, Schlumberger, and Baker Hughes withdrew from Russia, despite the substantial financial losses this entailed.
Moscow's proposal also includes requests for the U.S. to unfreeze Russian state assets, which include funds previously invested in U.S. assets.
These frozen reserves are valued at about 6 billion dollars, part of a broader freeze of 300 billion dollars in the foreign exchange reserves of the Central Bank.
Frequently Asked Questions about Negotiations between Russia and the United States for Peace in Ukraine
What is Russia's proposal to the United States in the negotiations regarding Ukraine?
In the recent negotiations, Russia has offered the United States access to its natural resources and cooperation in the Arctic as part of an agreement to address the conflict in Ukraine. This attempt aims to revive economic ties and attract American oil companies back to Russia.
Why are there no representatives from Ukraine in the negotiations between Russia and the United States?
Ukraine was not included in the current negotiations between the United States and Russia, which has raised concerns in Kiev and among European allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized this exclusion, emphasizing that decisions about Ukraine's future are being made without its participation.
What role does the Arctic play in the negotiations between Russia and the United States?
The Arctic is a key point in negotiations, as Russia is offering cooperation in this region as part of the economic agreement with the United States. This collaboration could benefit both nations, particularly in terms of energy projects and exploration of natural resources.
What is the United States seeking by participating in these conversations with Russia?
The United States is seeking a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Ukraine, and negotiations with Russia could be a step towards peace. Moreover, the Trump administration is interested in exploring economic opportunities and restoring diplomatic relations with Moscow.
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