In a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia is set to host crucial talks between top U.S. and Russian officials, marking a potential shift in the dynamics of the ongoing Ukraine conflict. This diplomatic initiative comes on the heels of a groundbreaking phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
High-level diplomatic meeting details
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov are heading to Riyadh for discussions scheduled for Tuesday. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the talks will focus on “restoring the entire complex of U.S.-Russian relations, as well as preparing possible talks on the Ukrainian settlement and organizing a meeting of the two presidents.”
Ukraine’s position and involvement
While Trump has indicated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “will be involved,” the extent of Ukraine’s participation remains unclear. A Ukrainian delegation is currently in Saudi Arabia, reportedly preparing for a potential visit by Zelenskyy, though their presence appears primarily focused on economic matters.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated on Facebook that the delegation is working on strengthening economic ties and “prepares to sign important economic agreements with countries in the region.”
However, multiple Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism about direct negotiations with Russia. Andriy Yermak, a top Zelenskyy adviser, stated via Telegram that no immediate direct meetings with Russian representatives are planned until Ukraine develops a plan for a “just peace.”
U.S. diplomatic approach
Speaking on Fox News Channel’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Witkoff emphasized the focus on trust-building: “Those are details, and I’m not dismissive of the details, they’re important. But I think the beginning here is trust-building. It’s getting everybody to understand that this war does not belong continuing, that it should end. That’s what the president has directed us to do.”
The talks represent a significant shift in U.S. policy, potentially ending Moscow’s isolation following its February 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This diplomatic initiative began after Trump’s recent phone call with Putin, followed by a conversation with Zelenskyy to brief him on the discussion.
