Russia confirms Ukraine talks with US in Saudi Arabia
The Kremlin has confirmed that Russian and U.S. officials will meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, February 18, to discuss the conflict in Ukraine and explore avenues for restoring U.S.-Russia relations. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yuri Ushakov will represent Russia at the meeting. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
The meeting in Saudi Arabia will primarily focus on revitalizing the relationship between the U.S. and Russia, and will also address potential negotiations for a resolution in Ukraine and a possible meeting between President Vladimir Putin and President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia was chosen as the meeting location because it is acceptable to both parties.
News outlets report that Ukraine will not participate in the discussions. According to a BBC report, a senior Ukrainian government source confirmed that no delegation from Kyiv would be present at the talks. President Zelenskyy has stated that he would reject any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation. Similarly, reports suggest that European leaders were not invited, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to convene a summit in Paris.
