Rubio Leads U.S. Delegation for Russia-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. mansour/ Morning Edition/ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian officials about ending the war in Ukraine. The negotiations, initiated by President Donald Trump, mark a dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Moscow. While Ukrainian officials insist on being included, their role in the discussions remains unclear.
U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia: Quick Look
- Who’s Leading the U.S. Delegation? Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
- Where Are the Talks? Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
- Purpose of Talks: Early-stage negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s Role: Zelenskyy has demanded inclusion, but U.S. and Russian officials have not confirmed if Ukraine will be represented.
- Trump’s Involvement: Personally initiated talks in a call with Putin, breaking years of U.S. policy.
- European Reactions: EU leaders are pushing for involvement, worried about being sidelined.
- Russian Response: Moscow views the negotiations as a diplomatic win, after years of isolation.
Rubio Leads U.S. Delegation for Russia-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia
Deep Look: U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia Without Ukraine’s Direct Participation
In a major shift in U.S. foreign policy, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian officials about ending the war in Ukraine. The discussions, initiated by President Donald Trump in a recent phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, mark a significant departure from the previous U.S. approach of isolating Moscow over its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Joining Rubio in Riyadh are National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. However, it remains unclear whether Ukraine, the country at the center of the conflict, will be represented in any capacity.
Trump’s Diplomatic Shift: U.S. Engages Russia Directly
The decision to hold direct negotiations with Russia without Ukraine’s confirmed participation has already sparked global debate. Trump’s call with Putin last week ended years of diplomatic isolation for Moscow and set the stage for these early-stage negotiations.
Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, assuring reporters that “Zelenskyy will be involved,” but provided no details on how.
However, top Ukrainian officials have expressed skepticism. Andriy Yermak, a key Zelenskyy adviser, stated that there are no immediate plans for Ukrainian and Russian representatives to meet directly. He emphasized that Ukraine would not enter talks until a detailed plan for a “just peace” is in place.
Meanwhile, Mykhailo Podolyak, another senior Ukrainian official, outright denied Ukraine’s participation, stating, “There is nothing on the negotiating table that would be worth discussing.”
U.S. Officials Remain Vague on Ukraine’s Role
Speaking on Fox News’ Sunday Morning Futures, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff declined to answer whether Ukraine would be expected to cede territory as part of a peace deal.
“Those are details, and I’m not dismissive of the details, they’re important,” Witkoff said. “But the beginning here is trust-building. It’s getting everybody to understand that this war does not belong continuing, that it should end. That’s what the president has directed us to do.”
While the U.S. delegation remains focused on these preliminary discussions, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that Kyiv’s focus in Saudi Arabia is currently on economic agreements, not war negotiations. This raises further doubts about Ukraine’s direct involvement in the upcoming U.S.-Russia discussions.
Russia Views Talks as a Diplomatic Victory
Since the start of the war, Russia has been internationally isolated, facing Western sanctions and a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Putin’s arrest. However, with Trump now pushing for negotiations, Russian officials and state media have hailed the diplomatic shift as a major win.
Kremlin-backed media outlets have painted the talks as proof that Washington is recognizing Moscow’s legitimacy, despite years of condemnation from the U.S. and European nations.
Europe Pushes for Inclusion in Peace Talks
European leaders have reacted cautiously to the U.S.-Russia negotiations, with many concerned that Washington and Moscow could reach an agreement that excludes Ukraine’s interests. EU nations have demanded a seat at the table, fearing that a rushed deal could undermine Kyiv’s sovereignty and security.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Annalena Baerbock have called for European involvement in any future negotiations. Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has emphasized that U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine remain critical to preventing further Russian aggression.
What’s Next for Ukraine and the Peace Process?
While these U.S.-Russia negotiations are only in the early stages, their outcome could reshape the geopolitical landscape surrounding the Ukraine war.
Key questions remain:
- Will Ukraine be given a role in these discussions, or will major decisions be made without its input?
- How will European nations respond if they continue to be excluded?
- What compromises, if any, will Russia demand in exchange for ending the war?
As Rubio, Waltz, and Witkoff begin talks in Riyadh, the world is watching to see whether these negotiations mark a genuine step toward peace or a new phase of political maneuvering.
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