US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the Ukraine war, but Ukraine itself has not been invited to the talks.
Quick Takes
- US-Russia talks on Ukraine to be held in Saudi Arabia without Kyiv’s participation
- Trump administration signals a shift in approach to the Ukraine conflict
- European leaders excluded from talks, will meet separately in Paris
- Zelensky insists Ukraine won’t accept decisions made without its involvement
- Concerns arise over potential US concessions to Russia
Diplomatic Shift: US and Russia to Meet Without Ukraine
In a surprising turn of events, top US and Russian officials are scheduled for talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the absence of Ukrainian representatives at these discussions has raised eyebrows and concerns. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are set to meet with Russian negotiators, marking a significant shift in the Trump administration’s approach to the conflict.
The exclusion of Ukraine from these talks has not gone unnoticed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his country’s position, stating that he will, “never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never.” This sentiment underscores the delicate nature of these negotiations and the potential for discord between the US and its Ukrainian allies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, to Saudi Arabia for important discussions. This visit comes at a time when tensions between Russia and the United States are on the rise. The meeting is significant…https://t.co/hgKTiCeq1O
— USNewsper (@USNewsper) February 17, 2025
Trump’s New Diplomatic Push
President Donald Trump has signaled a renewed focus on ending the Ukraine conflict. Recently, he held a lengthy phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he described as lasting “for a very extended period, like about three hours.” This direct engagement with Russia marks the end of a three-year freeze on high-level US-Russia contact and suggests a more hands-on approach by the Trump administration.
“We’re working to get it done,” Trump stated, indicating his administration’s commitment to finding a resolution. However, the president’s approach has raised questions about potential concessions to Russia, especially given comments from administration offi suggesting that Ukraine’s NATO membership is impractical and that a return to pre-2014 borders is unlikely.
European Allies Left Out
The exclusion of European leaders from the Saudi Arabia talks has not gone unnoticed. In response, French President Emmanuel Macron will host an informal meeting in Paris to discuss Ukraine and European security. This parallel meeting will include leaders such as UK’s Keir Starmer and Germany’s Olaf Scholz, highlighting the complex web of diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Adding to the tension, US Vice-President JD Vance has urged Europe to increase its defense contributions, echoing long-standing American calls for greater burden-sharing within NATO. This message, delivered at the Munich Security Conference, has further strained transatlantic relations at a critical juncture.
“We can’t rule out the possibility that America might say no to Europe on issues that threaten it,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned, calling for the creation of a European army. This statement reflects growing concerns about the reliability of US support and the need for European self-reliance in defense matters.
Challenges and Controversies
The decision to exclude Ukraine from these talks has been justified by US special envoy Keith Kellogg, who argued that previous negotiations failed due to the involvement of too many parties.
As the world watches these high-stakes negotiations, the path to peace remains uncertain. The exclusion of certain stakeholders and the potential for unilateral decisions raise serious questions about the viability of any potential agreement. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this new diplomatic push can bring about a lasting resolution to the conflict or if it will further complicate an already complex geopolitical landscape.
