Top U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine war, marking their first significant talks since the conflict began. The meetings are intended to set the stage for a potential summit between Presidents Trump and Putin. However, Ukrainian officials are excluded, raising concerns in Kyiv. The talks highlight escalating diplomatic tensions and the strategic role of Saudi Arabia in these negotiations.
Top Russian and U.S. officials are scheduled to engage in significant discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in an effort to negotiate an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting marks a significant diplomatic event since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly three years ago. The talks are intended to lead to a potential meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, will hold discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and advisor Yuri Ushakov. Ushakov highlighted that the discussions would be strictly bilateral, excluding Ukrainian representatives, raising concerns in Kyiv and amongst its allies regarding their representation in negotiations.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of Ukrainian participation in these talks, asserting that any agreements made without their involvement would not be accepted. This urgency comes as the U.S. administration’s recent diplomatic initiatives have alarmed Kyiv regarding potential decisions detrimental to their interests.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, underscored the significance of U.S.-Russia relations for global stability and expressed intent to focus on economic issues with the U.S. delegation. Dmitriev also asserted that enhancing the relationship between these nations is crucial for addressing worldwide challenges.
For Saudi Arabia, facilitating these crucial diplomacy talks aligns with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitions to position the kingdom as a central diplomatic player. Hosting the summit has potential to improve the Crown Prince’s image internationally, despite prior controversies surrounding his leadership.
Additionally, the talks reflect Saudi Arabia’s strategic relationship with Russia as part of OPEC+, enhancing its negotiation power within international politics. The kingdom’s involvement is viewed as a pivotal achievement to bolster its global image and influence amid complex geopolitical dynamics.
The upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia signify a critical diplomatic initiative aimed at mitigating the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the exclusion of Ukrainian officials. The discussions are framed as essential for restoring bilateral relations and tackling global issues, with Saudi Arabia positioning itself as a key facilitator. The ongoing concerns from Kyiv highlight the importance of inclusivity in peace negotiations, underscoring the region’s geopolitical sensitivities.
Original Source: apnews.com
