Significant U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine War Scheduled in Saudi Arabia

The United States and Russia are set to hold critical talks in Saudi Arabia regarding the Ukraine war. Key diplomats from both nations will meet without Ukrainian officials, raising concerns about the implications for Kyiv. The discussions aim to improve ties and potentially pave the way for a meeting between President Trump and President Putin.

Top officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to engage in discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at improving diplomatic relations and negotiating an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting, which marks the most significant dialogue since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago, is anticipated to set the stage for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Russian delegation includes Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov, who indicated that the talks would not involve Ukrainian representatives. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, will represent the United States in the discussions.

As the U.S. increases its diplomatic efforts regarding the war, concerns have emerged among Kyiv and its close allies about the implications of negotiations held without their involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that any agreements reached without Ukraine’s participation would be unacceptable, expressing skepticism about the potential outcomes of such talks.

Ahead of the meeting, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, highlighted the significance of U.S.-Russia relations, stating that addressing global challenges is only possible through collaboration between the two nations. He intends to focus on economic issues during the discussions.

Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a mediator in these critical negotiations, a goal pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman since the onset of the conflict. The kingdom has previously hosted notable meetings and engaged in various diplomatic efforts, including the recent gathering of President Zelenskyy at an Arab League summit.

In conclusion, the upcoming talks between top U.S. and Russian officials, set against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict, represent a significant diplomatic opportunity, albeit without the involvement of Kyiv. The focus on bilateral discussions raises concerns among Ukrainian officials, who fear potential outcomes that may undermine their interests. Saudi Arabia’s role as a diplomatic mediator is also noteworthy, reflecting its evolving influence on the global stage.

Original Source: apnews.com