US-Russia Talks Begin in Saudi Arabi

AFP | Riyadh
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High-level US and Russian diplomats convened in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to engage in talks aimed at resetting strained relations and tentatively addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Although the talks, held at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace, mark the first significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations since President Donald Trump assumed office, both sides emphasized that expectations for a breakthrough were low. The meeting’s mere existence has raised concerns in Ukraine and Europe, especially after recent US gestures towards the Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his disapproval, stating that Kyiv was not invited to the talks. He emphasized that Ukraine would not accept any agreements made in its absence. Zelensky insisted that any peace settlement must include "robust and reliable" security guarantees, a stance supported by France and Britain but not universally backed across Europe.

In Riyadh, reports indicate that the discussion focused on broadening the scope of US-Russian relations, with particular attention given to the potential for a meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the agenda included discussions on restoring ties between the US and Russia and addressing the possibility of a Ukrainian resolution.

While the talks were viewed as an early step, both the US and Russia stressed that they were entering a complex process that would not yield immediate results. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that the meeting was not about detailed negotiations but rather about laying the groundwork for future discussions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and senior aide Yuri Ushakov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff during the talks.

Despite hopes for peace, both Russia and Ukraine have ruled out territorial concessions, with each side maintaining firm positions. Zelensky, currently in Turkey, plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday but has made it clear he will not meet with the US or Russian delegations.

The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but international attention will remain focused on the potential for dialogue as both sides continue to navigate the complex issue of Ukraine's future.