Top officials from the United States and Russia met in Riyadh for initial talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine, raising the possibility of broader cooperation between the two nations. The discussions, which lasted over four hours, ended with both sides agreeing to appoint high-level teams to explore ways to end the conflict in a manner that is “enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides,” according to a statement from the US State Department.
The talks, which were seen as a significant step in rekindling relations, also included discussions on the potential easing of sanctions imposed on Russia and increasing embassy staffing. Both sides agreed to address “irritants” in their relationship and work toward fostering greater collaboration. While the talks were only preliminary, they hinted at the US’s interest in moving beyond the war and potentially rebuilding ties between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting followed a phone call between Trump and Putin and marked a shift in US foreign policy, which has traditionally involved Ukraine in all aspects of conflict resolution. Russian officials hailed the outcome as a success, with Trump expressing confidence that a deal could be negotiated and suggesting a possible meeting with Putin before the end of the month. “Russia wants to do something,” Trump said, emphasizing the positive tone of the discussions.
The talks, however, raised alarm in Europe and Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was not invited to the meeting, expressed his displeasure, canceling a planned trip to Saudi Arabia. “We were not invited to this US-Russia meeting, and it was a surprise for us,” Zelenskiy said, voicing concerns that the absence of Ukraine in the talks might signal a shift in Western support.
Critics have also pointed to the potential political ramifications for Zelenskiy, with some arguing that the discussions undermine Ukraine’s position in the conflict. Bryn Rosenfeld, a professor at Cornell University, noted that the talks gave Russia the chance to claim that Zelenskiy’s leadership was coming to an end, a narrative that Moscow had long desired.
During the talks, Trump was asked about reports suggesting that he might consider Russia’s request for Ukraine to hold new elections as part of a peace agreement. Trump did not dismiss the idea, commenting on the current situation in Ukraine, where martial law is in effect. While recent polling shows that Zelenskiy’s approval rating has dropped, the Ukrainian leader still commands significant support from his people.
The new approach from the US has raised concerns within the broader security alliance between the US and European nations. European leaders are grappling with the shifting dynamics, while Trump has promised to work quickly toward a resolution. However, his willingness to entertain Russian demands without securing any reciprocal commitments has raised questions about the long-term consequences for Ukraine and Europe.
Russia, meanwhile, has set out its own red lines. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed the US proposal to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, claiming that Russia does not target civilian installations, despite widespread damage to Ukraine’s power grid from Russian missile strikes.
The US and Russia also discussed the possibility of increasing embassy staffing and easing tensions in diplomatic relations, potentially eliminating some of the leverage the US has maintained in its dealings with Russia. The two sides did not set a date for a potential summit between Trump and Putin, though Kremlin officials suggested it might not take place in the immediate future.
Despite these challenges, the US and Russia agreed to begin laying the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest once the war in Ukraine concludes. As both sides continue to explore possible avenues for peace, the global community watches closely for any signs of lasting resolution in the conflict.
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