Kremlin Confirms U.S.-Russian Talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine Conflict
The Kremlin has announced talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia focused on Ukraine peace negotiations. Key figures including Sergey Lavrov from Russia and U.S. officials like Marco Rubio will participate. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky is in the UAE for discussions on humanitarian aid and investments.
The Kremlin has confirmed that top Russian officials will engage in discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to facilitate peace talks concerning the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reported that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov will arrive in Riyadh later Monday for meetings scheduled for Tuesday.
The agenda will include revitalizing U.S.-Russia relations, discussions regarding negotiations on the Ukraine conflict, and preparations for a potential encounter between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Additionally, U.S. Secretary of State Joe Biden and Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with national security adviser Mike Waltz, are en route to Saudi Arabia to participate in these discussions.
Trump recently suggested a potential meeting with Putin after a phone conversation between them, while Marco Rubio indicated that the complexities of the situation cannot be resolved quickly. He remarked, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one.”
Simultaneously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is visiting the United Arab Emirates, marking his first trip there since the war erupted. Accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, Zelensky’s visit follows his participation in the Munich Security Conference and aims to discuss issues including humanitarian efforts and investment opportunities.
The UAE is viewed as a viable location for peace negotiations due to its history of facilitating prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky’s office emphasized that their primary goal is to secure the return of captives while exploring economic collaboration and humanitarian initiatives.
In summary, the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia highlight significant diplomatic efforts between Russia and the United States aimed at addressing the war in Ukraine. With notable officials involved from both nations, the discussions seek to mend relations and pave the way for potential peace negotiations. Concurrently, President Zelensky’s visit to the UAE underscores Ukraine’s commitment to humanitarian issues amidst the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
