High-stakes negotiations between the U.S. and Russia aimed at addressing the Ukraine crisis are set to begin Tuesday in Saudi Arabia, according to CNN. The talks come as regional diplomacy intensifies, with Saudi Arabia playing a dual role as host and mediator.
The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Russia’s delegation, reportedly comprising senior political and economic figures, has yet to confirm specific attendees. A Saudi official stated the country’s national security adviser will lead its mediation efforts.
Notably absent from the Saudi talks are Ukrainian and European representatives. However, former Trump administration envoy Keith Kellogg revealed a parallel “dual-track” negotiation set to occur in Kyiv this week. U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized Ukrainian involvement in future talks, while Rubio suggested their participation would depend on “positive progress” in initial discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently in the UAE finalizing economic partnerships, plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon to sign regional agreements, according to Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Despite this, Zelenskyy previously stated he has “no intention” of meeting U.S. or Russian delegations during his Middle East trip.
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U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine crisis set to begin in Saudi Arabia
cgtn.com
