US and Russian officials will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to begin discussions on ending Russia’s nearly three-year war in Ukraine. This announcement comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed that Kyiv was not invited to the talks and will not engage with Russia without consulting its strategic partners. These negotiations aim to bring peace to the conflict that has devastated Ukraine and strained global relations.
Key US Officials to Attend
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Saudi Arabia for the talks, according to US Representative Michael McCaul. However, it is not yet clear which Russian officials will participate. The US State Department has not released an official comment on the meeting.
Plans for High-Level Meetings
The goal of the Saudi Arabia talks is to lay the groundwork for a potential meeting between US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskiy. McCaul discussed these plans on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. Trump, who has promised to swiftly end the Ukraine war, recently tasked top officials, including CIA Chief John Ratcliffe, with negotiating a peace deal.
Rubio had a recent call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, reaffirming Trump’s commitment to resolving the Ukraine conflict. They agreed to maintain regular contact to prepare for future meetings between Trump and Putin.
European Concerns Over Exclusion
Trump’s recent phone calls to both Putin and Zelenskiy have raised concerns among Washington’s European allies. Many fear they will be excluded from any peace agreement. These fears were heightened when Trump’s Ukraine envoy confirmed that European nations would not have a seat at the negotiation table. Instead, the US has requested input from European capitals on potential security guarantees for Kyiv.
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Ongoing War and Peace Demands
Moscow currently controls one-fifth of Ukraine and has been making slow advances in the east. Ukraine’s army, facing manpower shortages, continues to defend its territory in western Russia. Russia demands that Ukraine cede land and adopt permanent neutrality under any peace deal. On the other hand, Ukraine insists that Russia must withdraw from all captured territories and seeks NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees.
US and Ukraine Negotiating Investment Deal
Amid ongoing talks, the US and Ukraine are negotiating a deal to allow US investment in Ukraine’s natural resources. Sources indicate that the US has proposed taking a 50% ownership stake in Ukraine’s critical minerals. However, Zelenskiy emphasized that the draft agreement does not include the security provisions Ukraine needs for long-term protection.
Zelenskiy’s Upcoming Visits
Zelenskiy announced plans to visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. However, he clarified that he has no plans to meet with US or Russian officials during these trips.
As peace talks begin, the world watches closely for any breakthrough that could finally bring an end to this protracted and devastating conflict.
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