In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to head a delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct discussions with Russian representatives in the near future, aiming to address the ongoing conflict that has unfolded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This information was shared by a U.S. official on Sunday, who spoke on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.
Alongside Rubio, the delegation will include national security adviser Michael Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff. The arrangement for these talks signifies that the administration believes there is potential for early-stage negotiations, though the composition of the attending parties may evolve as discussions progress.
This upcoming trip follows a recent phone conversation between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which both leaders indicated their teams should initiate negotiations without delay. This dialogue signifies a shift from years of U.S. policy that isolated Moscow following the escalation of the conflict. Trump also renewed communication with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy separately.
The participation of Ukrainian representatives in the talks remains uncertain. While a Ukrainian delegation is currently in Saudi Arabia to potentially facilitate Zelenskyy’s visit, no clear details have been disclosed regarding Ukrainian involvement in the negotiations. Trump mentioned that Zelenskyy would indeed be involved, but specifics regarding his role were not provided.
Zelenskyy has previously asserted that he would not entertain any negotiations concerning Ukraine unless his country is a part of them. This sentiment has been echoed by various European leaders who also desire to have a seat at the negotiation table.
Witkoff expressed optimism on the Fox News program “Sunday Morning Futures,” emphasizing that he and Waltz are commanded to pursue effective dialogues aimed at resolving the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, serving as the first deputy prime minister, did not specify whether there was a correlation between Zelenskyy’s potential visit and the upcoming U.S.-Russia discussions. In a social media update, she mentioned the delegation’s focus on enhancing economic connections and preparation for significant economic agreements within the region.
Details regarding the timing of Zelenskyy’s Saudi trip or the nature of meetings he might have remain undisclosed. Andriy Yermak, a senior advisor to Zelenskyy, indicated that face-to-face meetings between Ukrainian and Russian officials are unlikely in the near future. He stated in a social media message that such engagements will be postponed until a comprehensive strategy for achieving peace is established.
Mykhailo Podolyak, another advisor to Zelenskyy, recently asserted that Ukraine would not take part in the planned talks in Saudi Arabia, stating that there is no meaningful agenda to discuss at this time.
Witkoff’s announcement regarding imminent high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia created a backdrop of anticipation, although he did not clarify who would be met or what specific topics would be addressed during the visit.
In light of Trump’s assertions to meet with Putin to discuss a peace arrangement, Russian officials and media have adopted a celebratory tone, interpreting this as a significant alteration in U.S. policy that has the potential to reshape the diplomatic landscape concerning Ukraine and Europe.
Putin has faced international condemnation and isolation since the outset of the war, with the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for him earlier this year. When questioned about the possibility of Ukraine relinquishing a “significant portion” of its land as part of a peace agreement, Witkoff acknowledged the complexity of such details but stressed that the primary goal is to foster trust and mutual understanding to conclude the ongoing war, as directed by the president.
