U.S. and Russia to Hold Significant Talks on Ukraine War in Saudi Arabia
Top officials from Russia and the United States will hold crucial talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18, 2025, to negotiate an end to the Ukraine conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from the discussions, asserting that Kyiv must be involved in any negotiations regarding its future.
In Saudi Arabia, high-ranking Russian and U.S. officials are preparing for significant talks aimed at negotiating an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. This meeting signals a crucial moment in diplomatic relations, being the first major dialogue since the invasion nearly three years ago. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz will represent the U.S., while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will lead the Russian delegation, with discussions scheduled to occur on February 18, 2025.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently indicated a shift in U.S. policy regarding Ukraine and Russia, suggesting that he and President Vladimir Putin have agreed to commence negotiations. Russian Foreign Affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov emphasized that these upcoming discussions will be exclusively bilateral, without the participation of Ukrainian officials, which has raised concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from critical negotiations regarding its future.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine would reject any outcomes from the talks that do not involve its participation. He asserts that without Ukrainian representatives, the discussions could lead to unfavorable results for Ukraine in the resolution of the conflict. This stance reflects Kyiv’s urgent need to maintain a role in shaping the future of its sovereignty amid these high-level negotiations.
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, highlighted the significance of improved U.S.-Russia relations, stating, “Good U.S.-Russia relations are very important for the whole world. Only jointly can Russia and the U.S. address a lot of world problems…” He noted that economic issues would also be on the agenda during the discussions.
Saudi Arabia is strategically positioning itself as a key facilitator of diplomacy, with the Crown Prince seeking to enhance the kingdom’s international image through these talks. Hosting such important discussions also aligns with the kingdom’s broader political ambitions as well as its ongoing relations with both Russia and Ukraine. Various international actors are closely monitoring the developments, given their potential implications for global stability.
The Saudi media and political analysis emphasize the significant role Riyadh is playing in international diplomacy, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The dynamics of these negotiations showcase the Saudi leadership’s commitment to providing a platform for peace talks, while also balancing criticism and scrutiny from the West regarding its broader foreign policy actions.
The upcoming talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia represent a pivotal moment in diplomatic discussions concerning the Ukraine conflict. Kyiv’s exclusion from these negotiations raises concerns about the relevance and outcomes pertaining to its sovereignty. As global stakeholders pay close attention, the effectiveness of these talks in generating favorable resolutions remains uncertain. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator underscores its strategic ambitions on the world stage amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes.
Original Source: apnews.com
