US Initiates Diplomatic Talks with Russia and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia

The US is facilitating talks in Saudi Arabia with Russian and Ukrainian officials to address the Ukraine conflict. A high-profile delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, will lead these discussions, following a call between President Trump and Putin. Concerns about exclusion from negotiations have been raised by Ukraine and its allies.

A US delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and negotiator Steve Witkoff, is set to engage in discussions in Saudi Arabia with Russian and Ukrainian officials. This initiative aims to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meetings are anticipated to follow a recent conversation between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a potential ceasefire. The exact timing of these talks has yet to be disclosed.

Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia coincides with his Middle East tour, which began with his arrival in Israel. Earlier this week, he reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to resolve the conflict in a call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Witkoff’s previous involvement in a recent prisoner exchange could facilitate these new negotiations.

In a social media announcement, Trump stated he instructed Rubio, Waltz, Witkoff, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe to urgently pursue an agreement with Russia aimed at ending the Ukraine conflict. However, Kyiv and European allies have expressed concern over potentially being sidelined in these negotiations, especially considering the significant geopolitical implications following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed dissatisfaction with Trump’s decision to engage Putin without prior communication with him. Additionally, Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder criticized the move as possibly inflammatory. There is notable unrest among stakeholders about Trump’s diplomatic direction, underlining the precarious nature of international relations in this context.

The US is taking proactive steps to mediate discussions between Russia and Ukraine, with a delegation preparing for talks in Saudi Arabia. While this effort is aimed at negotiating a resolution, concerns exist regarding the exclusion of Ukraine and its allies from the decision-making process. The diplomatic landscape remains sensitive, particularly in light of the recent escalations in the region.

Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk