US and Russian officials met in Saudi Arabia to improve diplomatic relations and tackle the Ukraine conflict, leading to plans for reopening embassies. President Trump criticized Ukraine’s exclusion from talks, shifting some blame onto Kyiv for the war’s onset. The negotiations aim to establish working groups for peace talks, though Ukraine remains unsatisfied with its absence from discussions.
In a significant shift in American foreign policy, US and Russian officials are working to improve diplomatic and economic relations amid talks to end the war in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and decided to reopen missions in Washington and Moscow, excluding Ukrainian representatives from the discussions. As tensions rise, allies of Ukraine are eager for a place in future negotiations.
President Donald Trump criticized Ukraine for its exclusion from the talks, suggesting that Kyiv should have taken measures to prevent the war. He stated, “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal,” expressing impatience with Ukraine’s position. This rhetoric could weaken U.S. alliances, especially with European partners and Ukraine, who rely on U.S. support for security.
The meeting marked the most significant interaction between US and Russian officials since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. Lavrov and Rubio confirmed plans to restore diplomatic staff levels at both embassies and to promote economic cooperation, including potential energy projects. Both sides appear to be exploring pathways to support peace negotiations in Ukraine despite previous conflicts.
Concrete actions include establishing working groups to explore a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, although details on timelines and specific discussions are still pending. Key issues will likely involve territory negotiations and security guarantees, indicating a complex negotiation landscape ahead. Lavrov maintained that NATO troops are unacceptable for any peacekeeping missions.
Neither Ukraine nor its European allies were included in the Riyadh talks, though U.S. officials assured there would be consultation with these parties moving forward. Rubio emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in negotiations, while Trump assured communication with Ukrainian leadership. However, Zelenskyy reacted negatively to his absence, postponing his visit to Saudi Arabia to avoid association with the talks.
Discussion about lifting US sanctions on Russia emerged, with Rubio stating that all sides would need to make concessions. The idea of removing specific individuals from the sanctions list is premature, according to official statements. Cooperation on joint energy projects was suggested, underscoring potential avenues for collaboration if peace is achieved, allowing for mutually beneficial ventures in areas like the Arctic.
The recent US-Russia talks signify a potential thaw in relations and a concerted effort to end the conflict in Ukraine. While Trump’s comments may strain relationships with Ukraine and European allies, diplomatic channels are being reopened to facilitate negotiations. The absence of Ukraine from these discussions raises concerns about the balance of power, but both sides assert future consultation is crucial.
Original Source: apnews.com
