Kremlin Confirms Talks Between U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia

The Kremlin has confirmed upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia between Russian and U.S. officials, focusing on peace negotiations regarding Ukraine and relations between the two nations. Key attendees will include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived in the UAE for discussions on humanitarian efforts and returning captives.

The Kremlin has announced that senior Russian officials will convene with U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to explore potential peace negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov would arrive in Riyadh for discussions scheduled for Tuesday.

The talks are expected to address U.S.-Russia relations, the prospects of negotiations concerning Ukraine, and the preparation for a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed from Israel to Saudi Arabia, mentioning that his discussions were not yet finalized.

Both Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz will accompany Rubio to Saudi Arabia. During an interview, Rubio indicated that establishing peace in Ukraine is complex, noting, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one,” while asserting that Trump could instigate the necessary diplomatic process.

In the meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Abu Dhabi after attending the Munich Security Conference. This trip marks Zelensky’s first visit to the UAE since the onset of the war, during which he will discuss returning captives and fostering economic partnerships within a significant humanitarian initiative. Notably, media reports regarding Zelensky’s arrival were delayed, which is unusual.

The impending talks in Saudi Arabia signify a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Key officials are gathering to discuss crucial aspects such as potential peace negotiations and future strategic meetings between leaders. Additionally, President Zelensky’s diplomatic engagements in the UAE highlight Ukraine’s efforts to prioritize humanitarian issues amidst the war.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com