Riyadh: A crucial diplomatic meeting on Ukraine war talks is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with key officials from the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. The discussions aim to assess the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine and the broader geopolitical tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Who’s in the Room?
On the U.S. side, participants include:
- Marco Rubio – Secretary of State
- Mike Waltz – National Security Advisor
- Steve Witkoff – Middle East Envoy
Representing Russia are:
- Sergei Lavrov – Foreign Minister
- Yuri Ushakov – Foreign Policy Advisor to President Putin
- Kirill Dmitriev – Head of Russia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, working behind the scenes
Hosting the meeting are Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister and National Security Adviser, though reports suggest their involvement has been brief.
Who’s Not Invited?
Notably absent from the discussions is Ukraine. Neither President Volodymyr Zelensky nor any Ukrainian officials received an invitation. Instead, Zelensky is in Turkey, meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to discuss Ukraine’s strategy amid ongoing war efforts.
What’s on the Agenda?
While an official briefing is yet to be released, sources indicate the talks are focused on the Ukraine war. The United States clarifies that this is not a negotiation session but an attempt to gauge Russia’s seriousness about a ceasefire.
Moscow, on the other hand, is looking for ways to normalize relations with the U.S. amid rising tensions and economic pressures.
Will There Be a Trump-Putin Meeting?
Speculation about a potential meeting between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin remains unconfirmed. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry suggests today’s discussions could offer some insight into future diplomatic engagements.
What’s Next?
The outcome of the Riyadh talks could shape the next phase of diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine war. Whether this paves the way for peace talks or further tensions remains to be seen. Both Washington and Moscow have strong but differing objectives, making these discussions critical for global stability.
