US and Russian officials are set to begin discussions in Saudi Arabia to resolve Moscow’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for nearly three years. A US lawmaker and a source privy to the planning disclosed these talks, which are part of an escalating effort to de-escalate regional tensions.
The meetings will take place in the coming days, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expected to travel to Saudi Arabia. Although it remains unclear who the US delegation will meet from the Russian side, the talks are a pivotal step towards peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, after meeting with US Vice President JD Vance in Germany, emphasized that Ukraine was not invited to the initial discussions in Saudi Arabia. Zelenskiy stated that Kyiv would not engage with Russia without first consulting its strategic partners.
US & Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days for discussions aimed at ending Moscow’s nearly three-year war in Ukraine, as per reports. This follows Trump's move to engage in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin for a ceasefire. #US #Russia… pic.twitter.com/SEQXY1A0rK
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) February 16, 2025Goals of the Saudi Arabia Meeting
During the Munich Security Conference, US Representative Michael McCaul highlighted that the primary objective of these talks is to set the stage for a potential summit involving US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and President Zelenskiy. This summit aims to forge a path to peace and resolve the conflict.
The US State Department has yet to comment on these developments. However, Rubio’s involvement in the talks aligns with his current tour of the Middle East, which began with his arrival in Israel. Furthermore, Rubio’s recent telephone discussion with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov reaffirmed President Trump’s dedication to ending the conflict, setting the stage for regular contact in preparation for a high-level meeting between Putin and Trump.
BREAKING: An aide close to Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine has still not been invited to the peace talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia.https://t.co/JGKBebqZIK
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— Sky News (@SkyNews) February 16, 2025The planned talks come as the conflict has seen Moscow control a significant portion of Ukrainian territory, with ongoing military advances in the east. Meanwhile, Kyiv faces challenges due to manpower shortages while defending its western borders. The discussions in Saudi Arabia are crucial amidst broader geopolitical dynamics, including extensive military aid provided to Ukraine by the United States and Europe. Additionally, Trump has supported Ukraine while seeking assurances over US funding.
Read: Trump Rules Out Ukraine Joining NATO, Confirms Future Meeting with Putin
Concurrently, the US and Ukraine are negotiating a deal to unlock Ukraine’s vast natural resources for potential US investment. This proposal has raised significant discussions about the ownership and management of Ukraine’s critical minerals. It highlights the complex interplay of security, economic, and geopolitical factors influencing the war and the negotiations to end it.
