On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, officials from the United States and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss restoring relations between the two countries and finding a solution to the war in Ukraine. The meeting will be chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov. The Russian government has confirmed that the meeting will take place in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and will be an opportunity to address complex issues involving bilateral relations.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the meeting will focus primarily on restoring “the entire complex” of relations between Russia and the United States. This statement indicates that discussions will not be limited to the war in Ukraine alone, but will also cover other aspects of diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries. The expectation is that the meeting will pave the way for a more constructive dialogue and a reduction in the tensions that have marked relations between the powers.
Representing the United States will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. The presence of senior US officials demonstrates the seriousness with which the US is approaching the negotiations. The war in Ukraine has been a flashpoint in international relations, and the search for a peaceful solution is a priority for the US administration.
Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator in the negotiations is also significant. A Saudi official confirmed to CNN that the kingdom will play an active role in the discussions, which could indicate a new diplomatic approach in the region. Saudi Arabia has sought to increase its influence in international affairs, and this mediation could be an opportunity for the country to establish itself as a relevant player in the peace negotiations.
However, Ukraine has not been informed about the negotiations, raising concerns about the transparency of the process. A Ukrainian official has expressed concern that deals could be made without Kiev’s participation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously stated that Ukraine would not accept deals made at its expense, emphasizing the importance of including the country in discussions about its future.
Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy for Russia and Ukraine, will also be present at the talks and has discussed a set of “two-track” negotiations. Kellogg plans to visit Ukraine this week, which may indicate an effort to ensure that Ukrainian concerns are taken into account in the discussions. Including Ukraine in the negotiations is crucial to ensuring that any agreement is viable and acceptable to all parties involved.
On Sunday, former US President Donald Trump stated that Ukrainians would be part of the negotiations, stressing the importance of their participation. This statement suggests a growing recognition that peace in the region cannot be achieved without Ukraine’s active participation. The situation continues to evolve, and the international community is closely watching the negotiations in Riyadh.
In summary, the US-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia represents a significant opportunity to discuss ending the war in Ukraine and restoring bilateral relations. With the presence of senior officials from both countries and the mediation role of Saudi Arabia, expectations are high. However, the lack of communication with Ukraine and concerns about agreements made without its participation remain challenges to be overcome. The outcome of these negotiations could have a profound impact on regional stability and international relations.
