Top Russian and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war without Ukrainian representatives. This meeting is considered a significant step in U.S.-Russia dialogue since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Concerns arise from Ukraine’s exclusion amid fears of unfavorable agreements, prompting Kyiv to assert that it will not accept outcomes without its involvement.
Top officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to hold discussions in Saudi Arabia regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This meeting, which will occur on Tuesday, marks the first significant dialogue between the two countries since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. The talks aim to enhance bilateral relations and might set the stage for a future meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov arrived in Riyadh a day before the talks. Ushakov indicated that the discussions would be exclusively bilateral, with no representatives from Ukraine participating. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz will engage with the Russian delegation, as confirmed by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
In conclusion, the upcoming talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia underscore a significant diplomatic effort to address the Ukraine crisis. The absence of Ukrainian representatives has raised concerns among Kyiv and its allies, who worry about the implications of any agreements made during these discussions. The meeting is pivotal not only for U.S.-Russia relations but also for assessing the geopolitical dynamics influenced by Saudi Arabia’s role in these negotiations.
Original Source: apnews.com
