High-level delegations from the U.S. and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with talks excluding Kyiv’s participation. The negotiations aimed to address the now three-year-long war that began with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, following years of cross-border hostility from Moscow.
The meeting in Riyadh lasted approximately five hours and was hailed by the State Department as a significant step towards lasting peace. This dialogue marked the first senior-level engagement between the U.S. and Russia since President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Geneva prior to the invasion.
Led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the U.S. team included Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. The Russian delegation was represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund.
During the talks, both parties agreed to establish a consultation mechanism to address bilateral relationship issues and normalize diplomatic missions. Additionally, the formation of high-level teams to develop a pathway to end the conflict in Ukraine was a key focus, with an emphasis on creating a sustainable resolution satisfactory to all involved.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who was not present at the talks, expressed skepticism about negotiations occurring without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s steadfast refusal to bow to Russian ultimatums, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in any agreements concerning the nation.
In response to the U.S.-Russia engagement, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a meeting of European leaders in Paris to address the situation in Ukraine. The discussions centered on the importance of a comprehensive peace deal for Ukraine, with considerations for long-term stability and security measures.
Looking ahead, the potential for contributing armed forces to support peacekeeping efforts in Ukraine was raised by the prime ministers of the United Kingdom and Sweden. Both leaders underscored the necessity of a durable peace agreement that prevents future conflicts and ensures collective security in Europe.
As diplomatic efforts continue to unfold, the global community remains vigilant in seeking a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The dialogue between the U.S. and Russia represents a critical step towards achieving lasting peace in the region, with ongoing discussions poised to shape the future of international relations and security dynamics.
