Mon Feb 17 15:29:06 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia to Hold Talks on Ukraine, Potential Putin-Trump Meeting

**RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA –** High-level US and Russian officials will meet in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss restoring bilateral relations, negotiating a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine, and potentially arranging a meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The Kremlin announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov will represent Russia, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation, joined by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and national security advisor Mike Waltz.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not participate in the talks, deeming them unproductive without Ukrainian representation. European governments have also voiced their demand for involvement.

These talks follow a recent phone call between Trump and Putin, during which they agreed to initiate immediate negotiations, marking a significant shift in US policy after years of isolating Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While Trump asserted that Zelenskyy “will be involved,” Zelenskyy himself confirmed he will be in Turkey and Saudi Arabia this week but clarified his Saudi visit is unrelated to the US-Russia discussions. A top Zelenskyy advisor, Andriy Yermak, stated that direct Ukrainian-Russian talks are not currently feasible until a plan for a “just peace” is developed.

Mr. Witkoff, while emphasizing the importance of trust-building and ending the conflict, avoided specifics regarding potential territorial concessions from Ukraine in any negotiated settlement. The focus, he stated, is on initiating dialogue and achieving a cessation of hostilities.

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