Top U.S. and Russian officials are scheduled for significant talks in Riyadh aimed at negotiating an end to the Ukraine war. The meetings will occur without Ukrainian officials present, prompting concerns from Kyiv about the validity of any agreements. These discussions signify an opportunity for the U.S. and Russia to reassess their diplomatic relationship and engage in critical dialogue on pressing global issues.

Top officials from Russia and the United States are preparing to engage in talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Scheduled for Tuesday, this meeting marks the first substantial dialogue between the two nations since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. The discussions seek to facilitate a future meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, with expectations for possible negotiations to end the conflict.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will represent the United States, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and advisor Yuri Ushakov will lead the Russian delegation. Notably, these talks will occur without Ukrainian officials’ participation, raising concerns from Kyiv regarding the potential implications of an agreement that does not involve them.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his country’s discontent, stating that any resolutions arising from the talks would be unacceptable if Kyiv was excluded. He emphasized that meaningful results cannot be expected if Ukrainian representatives are not present during discussions surrounding their sovereignty.

Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, underscored the significance of U.S.-Russia relations for addressing global challenges, stating that both nations must collaborate effectively to resolve international conflicts. This meeting signals a desire from Russia for true normalization of relations with the United States, as reported by Al Arabiya.

The pursuit of hosting these negotiations reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader diplomatic ambitions under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has positioned the kingdom as a central player in international diplomacy. This aligns with the prince’s interest in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s image following earlier international criticisms due to human rights concerns.

As the talks approach, Saudi media has highlighted the significance of these negotiations, positioning Riyadh at the forefront of international diplomacy regarding the Ukraine conflict. The outcome could influence not only U.S.-Russia relations but also the regional stability and perceptions of Saudi Arabia’s role on the world stage.

The imminent talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials represent a pivotal moment for both nations as they seek to address the protracted war in Ukraine. Without Ukrainian participation, concerns about the legitimacy and consequences of any agreements loom large. This dialogue occurs against a backdrop of shifting diplomatic landscapes, particularly for Saudi Arabia, which hopes to enhance its stature as a central diplomatic broker.

Original Source: apnews.com

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