While the world's attention was focused on the flames of the Middle East, an unexpected and extremely important diplomatic meeting took place across the ocean. Representatives of the USA and Russia sought ways out of the global crisis in the calm environment of Florida. Zamin.uz reveals the details behind the scenes of these secret negotiations.
On Wednesday, March 11, the US Special Representative for Ukraine, Stephen Whitkoff, shared sensational information on social media. According to him, a face-to-face meeting with the Russian delegation took place in Florida. The Russian side was headed by the president's special representative, Kirill Dmitriev, while on the American side, the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, and the federal procurement service commissioner, Josh Gryunbaum, were also present at the negotiating table.
Oil Crisis and Hormuz Junction
Dmitriev's visit to the USA is not without reason. Today, due to armed conflicts between Iran and Israel, the main artery supplying oil to the world market - the Strait of Hormuz - is practically closed.
- Price jump: Blockage of the road through which 20% of the world's oil reserves pass has skyrocketed gasoline prices.
- American tactics: The White House has temporarily permitted the sale of Russian oil stored in tankers at sea to India to stabilize the situation. Even the issue of easing energy sanctions against Russia has come to the forefront.
Is the "turning point" in the war in Ukraine near?
Whitkoff noted that this meeting with Russia could be a new stage in negotiations on ending the conflict in Ukraine.
- The next meeting: In the second half of March, a large trilateral consultation is planned with the participation of Russia, Ukraine, and the USA.
- Dmitriev's assessment: The Russian representative called the dialogue in Florida "effective," however, the parties are currently keeping the details of the agreement secret.
G7 and Macron's firm stance
American gestures to pursue a more lenient policy towards Russian oil are not appealing to European allies. At a meeting of the G7 countries via videoconference, French President Emmanuel Macron made a sharp statement:
"The energy shortage in the Middle East cannot be grounds for lifting price restrictions and sanctions on Russian oil!"
Interestingly, although Donald Trump participated in this meeting, there is no clear information about whether he supported the general position of the G7 or put forward his plans towards Russia.
As a conclusion
The meeting in Florida shows that the flames of war in the Middle East are forcing Washington and Moscow to communicate even on the most complex issues. To preserve the global economy and curb the energy crisis, the parties seem ready to replace the language of sanctions with the language of diplomacy.
Do you think the US will actually lift sanctions against Russia to lower global oil prices? How might this affect the situation in Ukraine?
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