Key Diplomacy Effort Begins Amid Regional Shuttle
High-stakes U.S.-Russia negotiations addressing the Ukraine crisis are set to begin Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, marking the latest attempt to ease tensions through third-party mediation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will lead the American delegation, while Russia's team reportedly includes senior political and economic figures, though details remain undisclosed.
Saudi Arabia Takes Center Stage
Saudi Arabia is hosting the talks and participating as a mediator, with its national security adviser spearheading efforts. Notably absent are Ukrainian and European representatives, though U.S. officials suggest their involvement could follow “if progress is made.” Parallel negotiations are reportedly planned in Kyiv this week, according to former Trump administration envoy Keith Kellogg.
Zelenskyy’s Gulf Tour Continues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy concluded economic talks in the UAE Sunday and plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon to sign regional agreements. While emphasizing economic priorities, Zelenskyy previously stated he would not meet with U.S. or Russian delegations during his Gulf tour, telling reporters at the Munich Security Conference: “I will not meet with Russians, and I will not meet with Americans there.”
A Fractured Diplomatic Landscape
The talks unfold as global powers test new avenues for conflict resolution, with Middle Eastern nations increasingly positioning themselves as neutral mediators. Observers note the dual-track negotiation approach reflects both guarded optimism and fractured trust among stakeholders.
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U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine crisis set to begin in Saudi Arabia
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