Tue Feb 18 04:07:56 UTC 2025: ## US and Russia Hold High-Stakes Talks in Riyadh Amid Ukraine War and Gaza Controversy

**Riyadh, Saudi Arabia** – Top US and Russian diplomats met in Riyadh for high-level talks focused on the war in Ukraine and the broader state of US-Russia relations. The meeting, the first of its kind since Russia’s 2022 invasion, involved US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. While both sides downplayed expectations of immediate breakthroughs, the discussions included potential negotiations for a resolution to the Ukraine conflict and a possible meeting between Presidents Biden and Putin.

Notably absent from the talks was Ukraine, prompting strong criticism from President Volodymyr Zelensky who accused the US of appeasing Russia. Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to a negotiated settlement only when a unified position amongst Kyiv and its allies is established. He stressed that US support remains crucial for a Ukrainian victory. Meanwhile, Russia, emboldened by recent battlefield gains, is leveraging the talks to reiterate its demands for a rollback of NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.

Adding to the complexity of the talks is a controversial US proposal for Gaza, championed by former President Trump, which involves relocating millions of Palestinians. While the US claims openness to alternative plans, Secretary Rubio has publicly endorsed only Trump’s proposal. This issue was discussed during Rubio’s meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi government, however, is also considering Egypt’s proposed comprehensive Gaza reconstruction plan, which avoids population displacement.

The meeting in Riyadh has further highlighted Europe’s diminished role in mediating US-Russia relations. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov dismissed the need for European involvement in Ukraine talks, while Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed concern over Europe’s relative weakness compared to the US. The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue reflects a shift in diplomatic dynamics, with the kingdom re-emerging as a key player after its role in mediating the recent Israel-Hamas conflict and despite past human rights controversies. Saudi Arabia, a historical US ally, has maintained a neutral stance on the Ukraine war while also cultivating close ties with Russia in the energy sector.

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