U.S. and Russia Engage in Diplomatic Talks Amid Ukraine Conflict Blame

U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Riyadh, seeking to resolve the Ukraine conflict and restore diplomatic relations. President Trump suggested that Ukraine is responsible for the war, potentially straining U.S. ties with Kyiv and its allies. The absence of Ukraine from discussions raises concerns about the negotiations’ inclusivity and fairness, while discussions around sanctions and possible collaborations emerged during the talks.

In a significant shift in American foreign policy, the United States and Russia have initiated dialogue aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where they established plans to restore diplomatic relations and agreed to reopen their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow. However, Ukraine’s absence from these discussions raises concerns among its allies regarding future negotiations.

President Donald Trump, during a press event at his Florida residence, suggested that Ukraine bears responsibility for the war. He criticized Ukrainian leaders for their failure to prevent the conflict and stated, “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal”. This stance may strain U.S. relations with Ukraine and its European allies by undermining the unity established during previous administrations focused on isolating Russia.

The meeting in Riyadh marked the first high-level engagement since the conflict intensified nearly three years ago. The U.S. delegation, which included national security officials, discussed the critical need for diplomatic channels to facilitate a peaceful resolution. Lavrov indicated mutual agreements to restore ambassadorial positions and engage in further discussions regarding the diplomatic framework necessary to end the conflict in Ukraine.

Both parties acknowledged the necessity of addressing territorial disputes and security guarantees in future negotiations. Furthermore, Rubino confirmed that high-level working groups would be established to explore potential resolutions, but reiterated that any discussion about peacekeeping forces would exclude NATO troops, a central concern for Russia.

Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiations has prompted concerns regarding the fairness of future talks. Rubio assured that no nations were being sidelined and emphasized the importance of engaging Ukraine and European allies during the peace process. Trump’s discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, immediately following his phone call with President Putin, underscore ongoing American involvement in the region.

Moreover, there is speculation about the lifting of sanctions against Russia, should a resolution to the conflict be achieved. Rubio indicated that concessions must be made by all parties, although discussions around specific sanctions remain informal at this stage. Notably, possible U.S.-Russian collaborations in joint energy projects were also discussed, illustrating a willingness to explore economic partnerships if diplomatic relations improve.

This meeting exemplifies a pivotal moment for U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing quest for peace in Ukraine, but the lack of Ukrainian representation raises important questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the negotiation process going forward.

The recent talks between U.S. and Russian officials signify a potential turning point in international diplomacy regarding Ukraine. While efforts are underway to restore diplomatic relations and explore pathways to ending the conflict, the absence of Ukraine in the discussion is noteworthy. Additionally, President Trump’s remarks on Ukraine’s role may complicate U.S. relations with its European allies and pose challenges to NATO’s unity.

Original Source: apnews.com