US and Russia Hold Landmark Talks on Ukraine War in Saudi Arabia
For the first time since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine three years ago, high-level diplomatic talks between the United States and Russia are taking place in Saudi Arabia. The meeting marks a significant moment in international relations, but it is notable for who is absent from the discussion—neither Ukraine nor European nations have been invited.
Russia’s Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, is meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in what is being seen as a tentative effort to explore possible diplomatic solutions to the ongoing war. The atmosphere before the meeting was tense, with both delegations sitting in silence. BBC correspondent Tom Bateman, who is covering the event, attempted to ask Rubio whether the United States was sidelining Ukraine by engaging in talks without its involvement. However, the Secretary of State did not respond.
A First Step or a Risky Move?
According to US officials, the primary objective of the talks is to assess whether Russia is genuinely interested in negotiating an end to the war. They emphasize that this is only an initial step and that no formal agreements are expected at this stage. Russia, on the other hand, has stated that it hopes these discussions will serve as a foundation for restoring diplomatic ties with the United States, which have significantly deteriorated since the invasion.
However, the absence of Ukrainian representatives has sparked an immediate backlash from Kyiv. President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not acknowledge or accept any agreements reached without its direct involvement. He reiterated that any decisions about Ukraine’s future must be made with Ukraine at the table, not behind closed doors between global powers.
European Leaders Demand Inclusion
European nations have also expressed concerns about being excluded from the negotiations. In response to the US-Russia talks, European leaders held an emergency summit yesterday to discuss their stance. The exclusion of key European allies has led to speculation that the US is pursuing a separate diplomatic track, raising concerns about its commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and European security interests.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer weighed in on the situation, stating that he would consider deploying British troops to Ukraine in the event of a lasting peace agreement. However, other European nations were more hesitant, with many leaders reluctant to commit military support without clearer diplomatic guarantees.
As the talks unfold, the world is watching closely. While some see the meeting as a potential breakthrough, others fear it could undermine Ukraine’s position in the conflict. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—any agreement without Ukraine’s involvement is bound to face significant resistance.
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