Historic Riyadh Summit: US & Russia Agree to Improve Ties, End Ukraine War/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In a significant policy shift, the United States and Russia have commenced discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aiming to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and improve bilateral relations. The talks, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, focused on restoring embassy operations, supporting peace negotiations, and exploring economic cooperation. Notably, Ukrainian officials were absent from the meeting, raising concerns among Ukraine and European allies about potential exclusion from the peace process.
US-Russia Relations: Quick Looks
- Diplomatic Engagement: High-level talks between the U.S. and Russia held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Key Participants: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
- Primary Objectives:
- Restoration of embassy staffing in Washington and Moscow.
- Formation of a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks.
- Exploration of closer economic ties between the two nations.
- Exclusion Concerns: Ukraine and European allies express unease over not being included in the initial discussions.
- Saudi Arabia’s Role: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman positions the kingdom as a key diplomatic player by hosting the talks.
- Ongoing Conflict: Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities persist in Ukraine, with reports of continued Russian drone attacks.
Historic Riyadh Summit: US & Russia Agree to Improve Ties, End Ukraine War
Deep Look
In a landmark development on February 18, 2025, the United States and Russia embarked on a path toward resolving the protracted conflict in Ukraine and mending their strained diplomatic relations. The high-level talks, convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, signify a notable shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump’s administration.
A New Diplomatic Chapter
The discussions were spearheaded by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both diplomats outlined a framework focusing on three primary objectives:
- Restoration of Embassy Operations: Both nations agreed to reinstate full staffing at their respective embassies in Washington and Moscow, aiming to facilitate smoother diplomatic communications and consular services.
- Support for Ukraine Peace Negotiations: A commitment was made to establish a high-level team dedicated to supporting ongoing peace talks in Ukraine, with the goal of achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.
- Exploration of Economic Cooperation: The two countries expressed interest in exploring avenues for economic collaboration, which could include trade agreements and joint ventures in various sectors.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that these talks mark the beginning of a comprehensive dialogue, acknowledging that substantial work lies ahead to actualize these goals. He stated, “This is the start of a conversation, and we recognize the challenges that lie ahead. However, we are committed to pursuing a path that leads to peace and mutual prosperity.”
Exclusion Raises Concerns
Notably absent from the Riyadh meeting were Ukrainian officials, a point that has raised significant concerns in Kyiv and among European allies. The exclusion has led to apprehensions about potential agreements being made without the direct involvement of Ukraine, which remains at the center of the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced his unease, stating that his country would not accept any outcomes from the talks unless Ukraine is an active participant in the negotiations. European leaders echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of inclusive discussions that consider the perspectives of all affected parties.
Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic Ambitions
The choice of Riyadh as the venue for these pivotal talks underscores Saudi Arabia’s growing role on the international diplomatic stage. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been actively seeking to position the kingdom as a central player in global affairs, leveraging its strategic location and resources.
Hosting the U.S.-Russia discussions aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader objectives of enhancing its geopolitical influence and fostering global security. The kingdom’s involvement in facilitating dialogue between major powers reflects its ambition to be recognized as a mediator in international conflicts.
Ongoing Hostilities Amid Diplomatic Efforts
Despite the diplomatic engagements, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains volatile. Reports indicate that Russian forces continue to conduct drone attacks within Ukrainian territory, leading to casualties and infrastructural damage. The persistence of hostilities highlights the complexity of the conflict and the challenges inherent in achieving a ceasefire.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the renewed dialogue between the U.S. and Russia will pave the way for a de-escalation of tensions and, ultimately, a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
