US officials met with Russian counterparts in Riyadh for discussions regarding the Ukraine conflict, notably without Ukrainian or European participation. President Zelenskyy expressed concerns over the exclusion, demanding security guarantees. The talks highlight a potential shift in US foreign policy and underline the ongoing military pressures faced by Ukraine amidst intensified Russian drone attacks.

Recent talks between United States and Russian officials took place in Riyadh, marking the first high-level discussions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine three years ago. The meeting involved US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focusing on strategies to potentially end the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, this encounter excluded both Ukrainian and European representatives, illustrating a significant shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov described the talks as “serious,” while acknowledging that it remained uncertain whether a consensus between the US and Russia had been reached. The dialogue established plans for dedicated negotiating teams to continue discussions on resolving the conflict in Ukraine. A US statement highlighted the intention to address various irritants in bilateral relations but noted that early stages do not guarantee lasting peace.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration at being excluded from the talks, insisting that Ukraine will not accept agreements made without its input. Zelenskyy underscored the need for security guarantees from the US and Europe, reaffirming Ukraine’s stance on not recognizing any territories occupied by Russia as Russian territory. Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that while President Putin is committed to a peaceful resolution, a comprehensive consideration of European security issues is crucial.

In conjunction with diplomatic efforts, Russian drone attacks on Ukraine have intensified, with reports of significant air assaults just prior to the talks. Ukraine’s military confirmed that while many drones were intercepted, some caused damage to civilian buildings and injured residents. Furthermore, the talks occurred amid fears that declining US support could lead to unfavorable outcomes for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

The talks signal a potential new trajectory in US-Russia relations regarding Ukraine, hinting at possible economic discussions alongside security matters. However, the exclusion of key stakeholders raises substantial concerns about the future course of the conflict and the implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.

In conclusion, recent US-Russia discussions reflect a significant shift in diplomatic strategies, lacking input from Ukraine and Europe. Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian leaders emphasize the necessity of security guarantees amid rising tensions and ongoing Russian aggression. While the talks aim for a negotiated peace, the absence of key representatives casts doubt on the legitimacy and sustainability of any resulting agreements.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

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