U.S. and Russia to Discuss Ukraine Conflict in Saudi Arabia Amid Concerns from Kyiv

U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war without Ukrainian representatives. This significant event follows a shift in U.S. policy and highlights concerns from Kyiv about future negotiations. The talks symbolize Saudi Arabia’s increasing diplomatic role on the world stage amid geopolitical complexities.

Top officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to convene in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss solutions for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting represents the most significant dialogue between the two nations since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago and could facilitate a future encounter between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and adviser Yuri Ushakov arrived in Riyadh on Monday, indicating the importance of these discussions, which will not involve Ukrainian representatives.

The U.S. delegation includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, as confirmed by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. This development has raised alarms in Kyiv and among allied nations, as they seek assurance that their interests will not be compromised in negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed that Ukraine will not endorse any agreements made without its participation, emphasizing the discussions’ futility without Ukrainian involvement.

Prior to the talks, Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, articulated the necessity of U.S.-Russia cooperation, stating, “Good U.S.-Russia relations are very important for the whole world.” He asserted that only through collaboration can the two nations address various global challenges effectively. The Saudi media highlighted the significance of these discussions, positing it as a critical moment for Riyadh to enhance its diplomatic profile amid a complex international landscape.

The meeting in Riyadh is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s strategy to position Saudi Arabia as a pivotal diplomatic player. Historically characterized as an international “pariah,” the Crown Prince’s role in facilitating these conversations aims to improve his diplomatic stature in the West. Beyond hosting these pivotal talks, Saudi Arabia aims to mediate various international conflicts, including those concerning Ukraine.

As the focus turns to Riyadh, international observers note this meeting’s implications on geopolitical dynamics, suggesting it could reshape the perception of Saudi Arabia’s role in global affairs. This summit potentially balances recent criticisms of U.S. policy in the region, especially concerning the ongoing crisis in Gaza, demonstrating the complexities and intersections of international diplomacy across multiple conflicts.

The upcoming discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia mark a significant diplomatic event aimed at addressing the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The exclusion of Ukrainian representatives has raised concerns, particularly from President Zelenskyy. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s involvement underscores its ambition to play a prominent role in global diplomatic efforts, while the outcome of these talks could have far-reaching effects on international relations.

Original Source: apnews.com