Russia has dismissed reports of scheduled follow-up talks with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a significant diplomatic move after a call between President Trump and President Putin. Trump has indicated plans to secure access to Ukraine’s rare minerals, while Putin shows openness to U.S. investments in occupied Ukraine. The Moscow Times faces legal pressures as an “undesirable” organization, stifling independent journalism in Russia.
Russia has denied media reports suggesting upcoming follow-up talks between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Earlier reports indicated that this meeting, expected on Tuesday, was viewed by some diplomatic sources as a positive development in the relationship between the two nations. The diplomatic initiative comes after a phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which has ruffled feathers among European leaders and indicated a departure from the previous U.S. stance of isolating Russia.
President Trump expressed optimism about resolving the conflict in Ukraine, mentioning that he anticipates Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visiting the White House within two weeks to finalize an agreement that grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare mineral resources. Putin indicated that Russia was open to American investments in strategic minerals located in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine and mentioned that companies from both nations are already communicating about potential joint economic ventures aimed at addressing the conflict.
The Moscow Times is facing significant challenges, as Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office has classified it as an “undesirable” organization, thereby jeopardizing its operations and exposing its staff to potential prosecution. This designation follows previous attempts by authorities to label the outlet as a “foreign agent.” Such actions are seen as part of a broader initiative to suppress independent journalism in Russia, with officials claiming that the work of The Moscow Times undermines governmental authority.
In summary, Russia’s denial of follow-up talks with the U.S. has emerged amidst a backdrop of evolving diplomatic relations, highlighted by communications between their leaders. The potential for U.S. investment in Ukraine’s mineral resources reflects a developing relationship, although significant internal challenges face The Moscow Times as it strives for independent reporting amid government scrutiny.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
