Mon Feb 17 09:55:47 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia to Hold High-Stakes Talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine Peace

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Top US and Russian officials will meet in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss potential peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine and restore bilateral relations, both governments confirmed. The meeting, which comes amidst concerns over a potential US-Russia deal that excludes Ukraine and Europe, will see US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a foreign policy advisor to President Vladimir Putin. Russia’s sovereign wealth fund chief Kirill Dmitriev will also reportedly participate.

The Kremlin described the meeting’s purpose as focusing on “possible negotiations on a Ukrainian resolution and organizing a meeting between the two presidents,” while the US State Department emphasized opening a broader conversation “that would include Ukraine and would involve the end of the war.” However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine will not participate in the Saudi Arabia talks and will not recognize any agreement reached without its involvement. Zelenskyy plans a separate visit to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to seek updates.

The talks follow reports that former US President Donald Trump may meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon, fueling concerns among European allies. European leaders are scheduled to meet in Paris to discuss their response to what they see as a potential US policy shift that sidelines Ukraine and Europe. Russian officials have dismissed the need for European involvement, with Foreign Minister Lavrov accusing European nations of wanting to prolong the war. European leaders, however, are wary of any agreement that could reward Russian aggression. The meeting in Riyadh comes at a critical juncture, with the potential to significantly impact the ongoing conflict and the future of US-Russia relations.

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