In a shocking development, US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week. The high-level talks aim to push for an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Sources reveal that National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will lead the American delegation.
No Ukraine, no European powers at the table
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed his country will not be part of the negotiations. Reports from The Guardian state that the Ukrainian government has not been invited. Furthermore, European nations are being excluded from the talks, according toReuters. It seems the discussions will focus on more than just the Ukraine crisis.
Key players in the talks
On Saturday, Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone. This conversation was a precursor to the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia. Both sides will set the stage for important discussions on Ukraine and potentially wider international issues.
European leaders criticized for inaction
At the Munich Security Conference, Trump’s former special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, had harsh words for European leaders. He criticized them for not doing more to solve the crisis. “Get into the debate. Stop complaining. Come up with concrete proposals,” Kellogg urged. He also suggested that Europe should increase defense spending and take more responsibility.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine and NATO
President Donald Trump recently made headlines with his comments about Ukraine’s future. He stated that it was unlikely Ukraine would return to its pre-2014 borders or join NATO anytime soon. This stance has sparked debate both domestically and internationally.
In a related development, Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call last week. The two leaders agreed to visit each other’s countries soon. It’s been nearly a decade since a sitting US president visited Russia, with Barack Obama last making the trip in 2013 for the G-20 Economic Summit.
Trump, Vance show strong support for Zelensky
Vice President JD Vance, during his European visit, met with Zelensky for the first time. Vance described the meeting as “fruitful” and reiterated the US’s commitment to lasting peace in Europe. This gesture demonstrates continued support for Ukraine, even as peace talks with Russia advance.
As talks move forward, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia. The meeting next week could be pivotal in shaping the future of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape.
