High-stakes diplomacy takes center stage this week as U.S. and Russian officials prepare for closed-door talks on the Ukraine crisis in Saudi Arabia, according to CNN and Chinese state media reports. The negotiations come amid a flurry of regional economic diplomacy by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Key Players and Parallel Tracks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio leads the U.S. delegation alongside Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and security adviser Mike Waltz. Russia’s team reportedly includes senior political and economic figures, though Moscow hasn’t confirmed attendees. Saudi Arabia’s national security adviser will facilitate discussions in Jeddah.
Shadow Negotiations Emerge
While Kyiv and EU capitals weren’t invited to the Saudi talks, former U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg revealed parallel discussions planned in Ukraine. President Trump and Rubio suggested European and Ukrainian involvement could follow “positive” initial progress.
Zelenskyy’s Gulf Agenda
The Ukrainian leader is finalizing economic agreements in the UAE ahead of a Saudi visit, confirmed by First Deputy PM Yulia Svyrydenko. Despite earlier assurances he wouldn’t meet U.S. or Russian delegations abroad, Zelenskyy told reporters in Munich: “We prioritize solutions that preserve sovereignty through all diplomatic channels.”
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U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine crisis set to begin in Saudi Arabia
cgtn.com
