- US and Russia begin talks in Riyadh on Ukraine conflict.
- Discussions focus on ending the war and restoring US-Russia relations.
- Ukraine excluded from talks, prompting concerns from its leaders.
- Russia demands NATO renounce 2008 Bucharest promises.
- European leaders emphasize Ukraine’s involvement in peace efforts.
The long-awaited negotiations between US and Russian officials started in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. Saudi Arabia hosted the meeting to find ways to end the conflict in Ukraine. Both sides want to restore their strained relations and resolve a war that has plagued Eastern Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the talks. Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban, were also present. These talks follow months of rising tensions between Washington and Moscow.
Both sides seek ways to de-escalate the situation. The talks could open the door to further negotiations, possibly leading to a summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russia’s Demand and NATO’s Promise
One key issue in the talks was Russia’s demand for NATO to renounce the 2008 Bucharest promises. These promises stated that Ukraine and Georgia would eventually join the alliance. Russia sees NATO’s eastward expansion as a direct threat to its security. Moscow claims NATO’s actions are a major cause of the conflict and wants a formal rejection of the 2008 decision.
Lavrov made it clear that NATO’s promises were a “red line” for Russia. He insisted this issue must be addressed before any peace agreement can happen. The US has not yet directly responded, but this remains a major point of disagreement in the ongoing negotiations.
Ukraine’s absence from the Riyadh talks has sparked criticism. Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have strongly objected. Zelenskyy said Ukraine would not accept any peace deal without its involvement. He believes decisions about Ukraine’s future should be made by Ukrainians, not without their participation.
European leaders have expressed concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion. French President Emmanuel Macron, after an emergency summit, stressed that Ukraine should be part of any peace talks. He argued that peace efforts must include Ukraine, especially since the country’s sovereignty is at stake.
Path Toward a US-Russia Summit
The talks in Riyadh may serve as a stepping stone for a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the path to such a summit is still unclear, the discussions are being seen as a starting point for dialogue between the two leaders.
On Monday, Trump’s former advisor, Kirill Dmitriev, highlighted the importance of President Trump’s “problem-solving” approach, calling the US team under Trump’s leadership “swift, efficient, and successful” in addressing major challenges. Dmitriev, a key figure in early contacts between Moscow and Washington, suggested that Trump could play a pivotal role in bringing about a resolution to the conflict.
However, it remains to be seen whether these talks will lead to a breakthrough or if further tensions will impede progress.
European Reactions and Concerns
The exclusion of Ukraine from the Riyadh talks has led to concerns in Europe. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof emphasized the urgency of continuing to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. He stressed the importance of European solidarity in safeguarding Ukraine’s security, warning that any agreement on Ukraine’s future must involve its government.
Other European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, have also voiced concerns over the exclusion of Ukraine and have called for greater security commitments from the US. Starmer mentioned that peacekeeping troops from Europe could be deployed, but only if there is a solid US security guarantee.
A Complex Road Ahead
The talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh are a significant diplomatic step in addressing the Ukraine conflict. However, many issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding NATO’s role and Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks. The future of these negotiations will likely depend on further dialogue and cooperation among the US, Russia, Ukraine, and European nations.
While the initial discussions between the US and Russia could set the stage for a potential summit, there are numerous hurdles to overcome. The path to lasting peace in Ukraine remains uncertain, and it will take continued diplomatic efforts to ensure that the voices of all parties, including Ukraine, are heard.