In a major diplomatic move, senior officials from the US and Russia met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss the ongoing Ukraine war and efforts to restore ties. This high-level meeting, held on February 18, 2025, aimed at improving relations and exploring peace negotiations.
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both sides agreed to work towards reopening embassies, enhancing economic ties, and supporting a peace process. However, Ukraine was not part of the discussions, sparking criticism.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy strongly opposed the talks, stating that any agreement made without Ukraine’s involvement would not be valid. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, also raised concerns. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte praised the US efforts but urged European countries to play a bigger role.
The exclusion of Ukraine from these discussions raises questions about their effectiveness. While the talks signal a possible shift in US foreign policy under President Trump, the road to peace remains uncertain. Further developments are expected as diplomatic efforts continue.
