Kremlin Confirms U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia to Address Ukraine Conflict
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss U.S.-Russia relations and the Ukraine conflict. Foreign Minister Lavrov is leading the Russian delegation, with plans for future talks between Presidents Putin and Trump. However, concerns arise over the potential sidelining of Ukraine in these discussions.
The Kremlin has confirmed a meeting between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and seek solutions for the Ukraine conflict. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and aide Yuri Ushakov are traveling to Riyadh at President Putin’s direction. This meeting aims to restore comprehensive U.S.-Russia relations and to set groundwork for potential negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine.
Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently communicated by phone, prior to Rubio’s arrival in Saudi Arabia following a visit to Israel. Rubio is expected to be accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who confirmed his travel plans to Saudi Arabia. Preparatory discussions for a meeting between Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are also anticipated.
Reports indicate that Putin has assembled a team of senior officials for the negotiations, including notable figures such as Yury Ushakov and Sergei Naryshkin. While Dmitriev’s presence at the meeting was not confirmed by Peskov, sources suggest he will be involved in discussions concerning economic ties between the U.S. and Russia.
Trump proposed the idea of holding talks in Saudi Arabia following a surprise call with Putin, and Riyadh expressed willingness to facilitate these discussions. However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential exclusion of Ukraine from these negotiations, as President Zelensky of Ukraine mentioned he did not plan to engage with U.S. or Russian officials during his visit to Saudi Arabia.
Rubio emphasized the necessity of including Ukraine in any serious negotiations, noting they are the aggrieved party in the conflict. He stated that current efforts are preliminary, revolving around a call expressing mutual interest in conflict resolution but lacking an established negotiation process.
The upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia reflect ongoing efforts to mend bilateral relations and address the Ukraine war. Key figures from both nations are involved, with preparations underway for future meetings between their leaders. However, the exclusion of Ukraine raises concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the negotiations, necessitating their involvement in any serious discussions regarding peace. Moreover, independent journalism faces challenges in Russia, as highlighted by The Moscow Times’ situation, calling for public support to continue their work.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
