Key US and Russian Officials Hold Crucial Talks on Ukraine Conflict—What It Means for Kyiv

Officials from Russia and the U.S. met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to talk about improving their relationship and finding a way to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting took place at the Diriyah Palace, marking an important moment in U.S.-Russia diplomacy.

Leading the U.S. delegation was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by national security adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov led his team, which included Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov. This gathering follows a significant shift in U.S. policy, with President Donald Trump expressing a willingness to negotiate with Russia.]

Notably, Ukrainian officials were not involved in the discussions. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has already stated that his country would not accept any outcomes from these talks without Ukrainian participation. This raised concerns among allies that decisions could be made without their interests being considered.

The meeting comes nearly three years into a war that has greatly strained U.S.-Russia relations. Past communications between U.S. and Russian officials had been brief and limited, highlighting the tension between the two countries.

In reaction to this gathering, France convened an emergency meeting with European Union countries and the U.K. to discuss their approach moving forward. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for a strong peace in Ukraine, stressing that Russia must cease its aggression.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, pointed out the importance of U.S.-Russia relations, stating that only together can the two nations tackle global issues.

Saudi Arabia’s role in hosting the meeting signifies its ambition to position itself as a key player in global diplomacy, especially through previous engagements with both Ukraine and Russia throughout the war. This meeting also serves to shift perceptions of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has faced scrutiny over past actions.

As these high-stakes talks occurred, Russia continued its military actions in Ukraine, launching a significant number of drones overnight, inflicting damage and injury on civilians. Such ongoing violence highlights the urgency of finding a resolution to the conflict.