US and Russia Prepare for Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia Excluding Ukraine
US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to explore peace talks regarding Ukraine, which will not include Ukrainian or European representatives. This exclusion has raised concerns about the implications for security arrangements and diplomatic processes. Both sides have starkly differing positions on territorial claims and future engagements, complicating potential resolutions.
Senior US and Russian officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss potential avenues for concluding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years. These talks aim to prepare for a possible peace summit that includes key leaders: US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskij. Notably, discussions will occur without the presence of Ukrainian officials or representatives from European allies, raising concerns about their exclusion from the negotiation process.
US Representative Michael McCaul indicated during the Munich Security Conference that high-level US officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz—will attend the Saudi talks. The identities of the Russian delegates remain unconfirmed, fueling alarm in Western capitals about the implications of these discussions. Ukrainian President Zelenskij has firmly stated that Ukraine will not engage in talks with Russia without prior consultation with its allies.
The discussions come at a sensitive time, following separate communications between Trump, Putin, and Zelenskij, which appear to signal a shift in US diplomatic strategy. The lack of Ukrainian involvement has escalated tensions in Europe, with fears that their exclusion could undermine security arrangement negotiations in the region. Trump’s envoy, Keith Kellogg, has echoed these worries, stating that Western allies would not participate in the upcoming talks.
In summary, high-stakes peace talks involving US and Russian officials will proceed in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian or European participation, raising concerns about their representation in critical diplomatic discussions. President Zelenskij’s reluctance to engage directly with Russia without allied consultation further complicates the issue. The ongoing conflict, marked by territorial disputes and differing demands, emphasizes the urgent need for a balanced peace strategy that includes all relevant parties.
Original Source: shafaq.com
