The United States has gained a deeper understanding of Russia's position in the Ukrainian conflict, moreover, there have been "radical changes" in Washington, director of the Geneva-based Arab Center for Political and Social Research and Analysis Riadh Sidaoui told Sputnik Africa, commenting on the latest round of the US-Russia talks held in Saudi Arabia.
According to the political analyst, Washington is taking note of Moscow's rejection of Ukraine's membership in NATO, whereas former US President Joe Biden insisted otherwise, as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has recently pointed out.
"[US President Donald] Trump said that he understands Russian concerns, such as Ukraine's membership in NATO. Donald Trump also made it clear that there are territories currently under Russian control that will never be returned to Ukraine," the expert emphasized.
Washington also realized that the Black Sea is a vital region for Russia, while Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia supports the resumption of the Black Sea Initiative, Sidaoui added.
"The West is trying to counter Russian grain exports, especially to poor African countries," he also noted.
The sanctions have repercussions on "the food issue, which is very important in terms of international relations," the political analyst recalled.
"Russia is a major supplier of grain and wheat to African countries. It has even given them free of charge to some countries. When the West tries to counter Russian exports to Africa, it directly affects food security and threatens lives," Sidaoui emphasized.