The Kremlin confirmed that Russian officials will meet U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine peace talks. Key topics include U.S.-Russia relations, negotiations on Ukraine, and a potential Putin-Trump meeting. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky is in the UAE, focusing on humanitarian efforts and economic partnerships.
The Kremlin has confirmed that top Russian officials will meet with U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov will travel to Riyadh for talks set to commence on Tuesday.
These discussions are expected to target the revitalization of U.S.-Russia relations, potential negotiations surrounding Ukraine, and arrangements for an anticipated meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also departed Israel for Saudi Arabia, where he indicated that not all plans have been finalized. Rubio, during his appearance on “Face the Nation,” emphasized, “Nothing’s been finalized yet. I was scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia anyway.” Meanwhile, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz are en route to Riyadh as well.
Last week, President Trump suggested a possible meeting with President Putin in Saudi Arabia following a recent phone call. However, Rubio cautioned, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one,” asserting that Trump is uniquely positioned to initiate dialogue.
In parallel, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Abu Dhabi after participating in the Munich Security Conference. Accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, this visit marks Zelensky’s first trip to the UAE since the onset of the conflict.
The UAE has been a notable potential site for peace negotiations, having facilitated prisoner exchanges previously. Zelensky’s office reaffirmed the priority of securing the release of captive citizens while also addressing economic partnerships and extensive humanitarian initiatives. Notably, the UAE’s state-run WAM news agency did not immediately report on Zelensky’s arrival, marking an unusual occurrence.
In conclusion, the upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia signal renewed efforts towards resolving the Ukraine conflict. The participation of prominent officials from both nations highlights the importance placed on diplomatic communications. Additionally, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s diplomatic visit to the UAE underscores ongoing humanitarian and economic discussions, amidst broader peace negotiations in the region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
