High-level delegations from the United States and Russia met in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the fate of Ukraine, holding talks without Ukraine's direct involvement. The State Department confirmed that the aim of these discussions was to explore ways to bring an end to the war that has been raging for almost three years, ever since Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This conflict, which followed years of cross-border aggression from Moscow since 2014, has led to devastating consequences for both countries and the region as a whole.
The talks in Riyadh lasted around five hours, according to reports from the press pool covering the event, and concluded with the State Department stating that the discussions represented an "important step forward" in the pursuit of "enduring peace." This meeting marked the first significant engagement between the U.S. and Russia in almost three years, following the last summit between President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Geneva just before Russia’s invasion.
What Happened in Riyadh? The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, with the Russian team headed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund. According to State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, the discussions included the agreement to create "a consultation mechanism" to address irritants in the U.S.-Russia bilateral relationship. The goal of this mechanism is to normalize the operation of diplomatic missions in both countries. This marks an effort to de-escalate tensions that have been building since the war began.
In addition to addressing bilateral diplomatic issues, the two sides agreed to appoint high-level teams to work toward a resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. The aim is to find a path that is "enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides." The discussions also focused on laying the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest. This cooperation, the State Department emphasized, could lead to significant economic and investment opportunities once the war comes to an end.
A Growing Sense of Discontent Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, while in Turkey, voiced his concerns about the ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, which continue without Ukraine at the table. During a visit to the Ukrainian embassy in Ankara, Zelenskyy expressed that he felt the situation mirrored earlier phases of the conflict, where Russia presented ultimatums to Ukraine. He pointed out that these discussions were happening "about Ukraine without Ukraine," something he believes is unacceptable.
Zelenskyy stated, “If Ukraine didn’t yield to ultimatums in the most difficult moment, where does the feeling come from that Ukraine will agree to this now?” He made it clear that his position had not changed and that Ukraine would not yield to Russian demands, stating, "I never intended to yield to Russia's ultimatums and I don’t intend to now." Zelenskyy also emphasized that Ukraine "cannot acknowledge any agreements about us without us" and would never recognize any deals made without its participation.
The Bigger Picture: U.S.-Russia Engagement The recent U.S.-Russia talks in Riyadh come after a phone conversation between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday, signaling continued diplomatic engagement between the two countries. This was shortly after a phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump, which centered on broader efforts to restore relations between the two nations. The State Department indicated that the discussions were not just about normalizing relations but were "focused" primarily on Ukraine, underscoring the importance of resolving the ongoing conflict in the region.
This diplomatic outreach represents a significant development in the geopolitical landscape, given that this type of engagement has been largely absent since the Geneva summit between Biden and Putin before the war escalated. It remains to be seen whether these high-level talks will yield tangible outcomes or if they will simply serve as a diplomatic gesture.
European Reactions and Growing Support for Peace In the midst of these U.S.-Russia discussions, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, were also actively engaged in talks. Macron hosted a meeting of European heads of government in Paris on Monday to discuss the situation in Ukraine and potential paths toward peace. Macron’s meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson focused on the broader European security concerns and the potential for a lasting peace deal in Ukraine.
During the meeting, Macron and Trump had a nearly 30-minute conversation, which a White House official described as "friendly." The discussions reportedly touched on the ongoing war in Ukraine, as well as the upcoming U.S.-Russia talks. This exchange highlights the international dimensions of the conflict and the desire for Europe to play an active role in any peace process.
The Road to a Peace Deal: What Could It Look Like? One of the key elements that emerged from these high-level talks is the idea of a sustainable peace deal for Ukraine. Several European leaders, including those from the U.K. and Sweden, expressed their openness to contributing military forces on the ground in Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission once an agreement is reached. This development emphasizes the commitment of European nations to ensure that any peace deal is not just a temporary ceasefire but a lasting solution to the conflict.
Prime Minister Starmer, speaking in Paris, noted, "If there is a peace deal for Ukraine, and everybody wants a peace deal, then it's got to be a lasting peace deal, not just a pause for Putin to come again." He further stressed the need for "collective security and defense in Europe," warning that this conflict could present a "generational challenge" for European countries that would require a united, long-term approach.
Meanwhile, U.K. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made it clear during the Munich Security Conference that the U.S. would not push for unrealistic goals, such as returning Ukraine's borders to their pre-2014 status. He described that goal as "unrealistic" and emphasized that the focus would be on achieving a sustainable resolution, including NATO membership for Ukraine or a reliable alternative.
What’s Next? In the coming days, further discussions are expected to continue, with leaders from various countries convening to assess the ongoing situation and push for a resolution. Zelenskyy, who is currently traveling through the Middle East, is expected to meet with officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and raise concerns about the U.S.-Russia talks. Despite these diplomatic efforts, it is clear that the path to peace is fraught with challenges, not just in terms of achieving a deal but also in securing long-term stability in the region.
Ultimately, these talks represent a critical juncture in the conflict, with the potential to reshape the future of Ukraine and Europe as a whole. Whether the U.S. and Russia can find common ground remains to be seen, but the stakes are undeniably high. For Ukraine, the message is clear: any peace agreement must involve its direct participation and ensure that its sovereignty is respected. Anything less would be unacceptable, and the fight for peace continues.
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