US and Russia Officials to Discuss Ukraine Conflict in Saudi…

Top officials from Russia and the United States will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing Ukraine conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other diplomats aim for a bilateral dialogue intended to improve relations and pave the way for potential future summits. However, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy insists that discussions without Ukrainian presence will not yield meaningful results.

High-ranking officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to engage in discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict in Saudi Arabia, aiming to enhance bilateral relations and explore avenues for peace. This meeting marks a pivotal moment since the onset of the Russian invasion nearly three years ago and is anticipated to establish a foundation for a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin.

Accompanying Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov arrived in Riyadh on Monday night. Ushakov clarified that the discussions will be strictly bilateral, excluding Ukrainian officials. The U.S. delegation will comprise Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, emphasizing the importance of these negotiations.

The recent diplomatic flurry from the U.S. has prompted concern in Kyiv and among its allies, fearing they may be sidelined in favor of a favorable deal for Washington and Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his opposition to any outcomes from the talks that do not include Ukrainian participation, asserting that such discussions would be futile.

Kirill Dmitriev, the leader of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, highlighted the global significance of U.S.-Russia relations, stating that collaboration is essential for addressing numerous worldwide issues. He intends to focus on economic aspects during the negotiations.

For Saudi Arabia, this dialogue represents a significant stride toward Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s ambitions to position the kingdom as a key player in international diplomacy, demonstrated through its involvement in various negotiations and summits.

Crown Prince Mohammed’s hosting of the talks aims to improve his international image amidst scrutiny over past controversies. Moreover, Saudi Arabia seeks to balance its relations with the U.S. and Russia, particularly in light of recent media criticism directed at President Trump.

In summary, the upcoming talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia underscore significant diplomatic efforts to negotiate a resolution to the Ukraine war. Excluding Ukrainian representatives raises concerns about future agreements, as emphasized by President Zelenskyy. Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating this meeting reinforces its strategic ambition to enhance its position in global diplomacy while navigating complex relationships with major powers.

Original Source: apnews.com