U.S. and Russia to Discuss Ukraine War in Saudi Arabia Without Kyiv’s Involvement

Top U.S. and Russian officials are set to hold talks in Saudi Arabia regarding the Ukraine war. The meeting aims to establish better diplomatic relations and lay the groundwork for discussions between Presidents Trump and Putin. However, these talks will occur without Ukrainian representatives, raising concerns from Kyiv about being sidelined in crucial negotiations.

Top officials from Russia and the United States are scheduled to engage in significant discussions regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. This meeting, deemed crucial since the onset of the conflict, aims to strengthen diplomatic relations and set the groundwork for possible negotiations between President Donald Trump and President Vladimir Putin. The talks will be exclusively bilateral, excluding Ukrainian representatives, as stated by Russian officials.

Accompanying U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at this meeting are national security adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Their engagement comes amid rising concerns from Ukraine and its allies regarding the implications of a deal being reached without their input. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine cannot accept decisions made without their participation, stressing that such talks would not yield beneficial outcomes for his nation.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, highlighted the need for improved U.S.-Russia relations, suggesting that collaboration between the two nations is essential in addressing global issues. He plans to focus on economic discussions during the talks. Russian representatives expressed a desire for genuine normalization with Washington, indicating a significant shift in diplomatic attitudes.

Hosting these talks places Saudi Arabia in a pivotal diplomatic role, a goal pursued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman throughout the war. The kingdom has previously facilitated negotiations and supported Ukraine diplomatically. This move enhances the reputation of the Crown Prince, displaying Saudi Arabia’s influence in international affairs, particularly after critiques over past actions, including the Khashoggi incident.

The international community is keenly observing these developments, particularly given the precarious relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia following President Biden’s earlier characterizations of bin Salman. The summit signals potential shifts in geopolitical dynamics, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence as a mediator in global conflicts.

In conclusion, the upcoming talks between top Russian and U.S. officials represent a critical effort to address the ongoing war in Ukraine and enhance diplomatic relations. The exclusion of Ukrainian representatives from these discussions raises significant concerns about the inclusivity of the negotiations. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s hosting of this summit further establishes the kingdom’s influence in international diplomatic matters amidst a changing geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: apnews.com