U.S. and Russian Officials to Meet in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine War

Top U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war. This anticipated meeting is the first substantial engagement since the conflict began, aiming to pave the way for President Trump and President Putin’s discussions. Ukraine is concerned about being excluded from negotiations, as highlighted by President Zelenskyy’s comments. Saudi Arabia’s motivation includes enhancing its diplomatic reputation amid ongoing global challenges.

Top officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This pivotal meeting, occurring nearly three years after the onset of the war, aims to facilitate improved relations between the two powers and lay the groundwork for potential negotiations involving U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Putin’s foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, have arrived in Riyadh to engage in what has been characterized as strictly bilateral discussions, excluding Ukrainian representatives.

The U.S. delegation comprises Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The prospect of U.S.-Russia negotiations has alarmed Ukraine and its allies, prompting discussions in European capitals regarding the implications of these talks without Ukrainian involvement.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong disapproval of the planned discussions, stating that outcomes from talks excluding Kyiv would be unacceptable. He emphasized that without Ukrainian participation, such negotiations would likely result in no meaningful progress.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, underscored the importance of positive U.S.-Russia relations, claiming that collaboration between the two nations is essential for resolving global issues. The talks are seen as a vital opportunity to improve diplomatic ties.

Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting these talks reflects its ambition to position itself as a central player in diplomatic negotiations. Ensuring a presence in high-stakes discussions elevates Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s standing on the international stage, especially in light of previous criticisms of his leadership.

This summit has been described as a significant moment for Riyadh, showcasing its capability to mediate international issues. The talks also aim to mitigate recent criticisms directed at the Crown Prince by Washington. Overall, these dialogue efforts signify potential shifts in geopolitical dynamics between the respective nations involved.

The upcoming discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia mark a significant moment in international diplomacy concerning the Ukraine conflict. With Ukrainian exclusion raising concerns among Kyiv and its allies, the talks reflect both opportunities and challenges in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. Saudi Arabia’s hosting reinforces its role as a diplomatic hub, aimed at enhancing its global influence.

Original Source: apnews.com