Factbox-Spy and diplomat head Russian team at Ukraine talks with US in Riyadh (Reuters) - A veteran of Russia’s FSB security service and a former long-serving diplomat are representing Russia at the latest round of talks with the United States over Ukraine, taking place on Monday in Saudi Arabia. SERGEI BESEDA Beseda, 70, is currently an adviser to FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov. From 2009 to 2024 he was head of the FSB’s 5th service, which runs agents in former Soviet countries and was therefore closely involved, experts say, in intelligence preparations for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Beseda’s position appeared precarious after Ukraine fought back much more strongly than expected and Russia’s initial assault on Kyiv was beaten back, but he remained in his post. Former U.S. ambassador John Sullivan wrote in his memoir that Beseda also took part in negotiations with the United States in 2021 on exchanging prisoners held in each other’s jails. That is still a live issue in Russia-U.S. ties, with at least 10 Americans behind bars in Russia now. GRIGORY KARASIN Karasin, 75, is a career diplomat whose past roles include deputy foreign minister and ambassador to Britain. He is now a member of the Federation Council, the upper house of Russia’s parliament, and chairs its international affairs committee. Both he and Beseda have been placed under Western sanctions.

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In Riyadh, upcoming US–Ukraine talks may decide the fate of the minerals deal. With key figures like Rubio and Witkoff heading the delegation, the stakes couldn’t be higher. #RiyadhSummit #Ukraine #USPolicy #Diplomacy