The Kremlin has announced meetings between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia focusing on peace talks for Ukraine, the potential revitalization of relations, and meetings between Presidents Putin and Trump. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived in the UAE, aiming to discuss humanitarian initiatives and economic partnerships.
The Kremlin has confirmed that senior Russian officials will engage in discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, aiming to advance peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov will arrive in Riyadh on Monday, with talks set for Tuesday.
These discussions are expected to address the revitalization of U.S.-Russia relations, potential negotiation frameworks for Ukraine, and the possibility of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also traveled to Saudi Arabia, although details of his engagement remain undecided.
Notably, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz will also participate in the talks. Following a phone conversation between Trump and Putin, Trump suggested that he may meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia. Rubio remarked on the complexity of the war, emphasizing that while one phone call does not resolve all issues, Trump is uniquely positioned to initiate peace efforts.
Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the United Arab Emirates after attending the Munich Security Conference. Accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, this visit marks Zelensky’s inaugural trip to the UAE since the onset of the conflict. His office indicated that securing the release of captives remains a priority, alongside discussions on economic partnerships and humanitarian initiatives.
In conclusion, the upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia signify a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations with a focus on resolving the Ukraine conflict. With high-ranking officials from both nations converging, there is optimism surrounding the possibility of peace negotiations. Additionally, President Zelensky’s visit to the UAE underscores the continued diplomatic efforts to address humanitarian concerns and build economic ties.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
