Kremlin officials are scheduled to meet U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace talks regarding the Ukraine war. Talks will include reviving U.S.-Russia relations and a potential meeting between President Putin and President Trump. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Zelensky is in the UAE to focus on humanitarian efforts and economic partnerships.
The Kremlin has confirmed that key Russian officials will meet U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia this week, as discussions regarding peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine intensify. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov will be traveling to Riyadh later today for scheduled discussions tomorrow, as reported by the Associated Press.
The agenda for these discussions will include efforts to restore U.S.-Russia relations, explore negotiations concerning Ukraine, and lay the groundwork for a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also departed from Israel to Saudi Arabia, stating, “Nothing’s been finalized yet. I was scheduled to be in Saudi Arabia anyways.”
Additionally, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz will join the talks in Saudi Arabia, as indicated by Witkoff on Fox News Sunday. Last week, Trump suggested that he might meet with Putin during his visit, following a recent phone conversation between the two leaders. Rubio emphasized the complexity of the situation, stating, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one,” and noted that Trump is the only leader capable of initiating a resolution.
In related developments, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Abu Dhabi after attending the Munich Security Conference. This visit marks his first trip to the United Arab Emirates since the onset of the war. Zelensky’s arrival was focused on discussions concerning the return of detained individuals, investment opportunities, economic partnerships, and humanitarian efforts, although the UAE’s state-run news agency did not promptly report on his arrival, which is deemed unusual.
The geopolitical landscape continues to evolve as various leaders convene in the Middle East to address critical international issues, particularly the situation in Ukraine, indicating the urgent need for dialogue and potential conflict resolution strategies.
In summary, high-level discussions are set to occur between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, aimed at addressing the war in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to the UAE underscores ongoing efforts to secure the release of captives and enhance economic collaboration. The interactions among these leaders highlight the complex dynamics influencing peace negotiations and international diplomacy in the region.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
