US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for high-level discussions with Russian officials aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov landed in Riyadh later in the day. According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, the talks will focus on “restoring the full spectrum of US-Russian relations” and laying the groundwork for potential peace negotiations on Ukraine, including a future meeting between the two presidents.
Before arriving in Riyadh, Rubio made a stop in Tel Aviv. He is set to meet Saudi leaders before continuing to the UAE, marking his first Middle East tour since taking office in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Accompanying Rubio are Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The talks, scheduled for Tuesday, come after a phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following that conversation, Trump instructed his senior officials to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine—one of his key campaign promises.
In a significant diplomatic move, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is leading a delegation to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for direct talks with Russian officials aimed at resolving the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine. This initiative, set to commence today, marks a pivotal moment in international efforts to address the ongoing war.
The U.S. delegation includes National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. The primary objective of these discussions is to assess Russia’s commitment to peace and explore potential avenues for ending hostilities. Notably, both Ukrainian and European representatives have been excluded from these initial negotiations, a decision that has sparked considerable concern among these stakeholders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been vocal about his country’s exclusion, stating unequivocally that Ukraine will not recognize any agreements reached without its direct involvement. He emphasized the necessity of including Ukraine in any peace process to ensure the legitimacy and durability of the outcomes.
European leaders have also expressed unease over their omission from the talks. French President Emmanuel Macron convened an emergency meeting with other European heads of state to deliberate on the situation and formulate a unified response. The exclusion has raised questions about the future of transatlantic alliances and Europe’s role in global security matters.
The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue for these discussions underscores the Middle Eastern nation’s evolving role in international diplomacy. Historically, Saudi Arabia has maintained strategic alliances with both the U.S. and Russia, often navigating complex geopolitical landscapes to balance its interests. Hosting these talks not only elevates Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic profile but also highlights its potential influence in mediating conflicts beyond the Middle East.
However, the Middle East itself is fraught with ongoing conflicts and tensions. The region’s intricate web of alliances and rivalries could impact the dynamics of the U.S.-Russia discussions. For instance, Russia’s involvement in Syria and its relations with Iran are critical factors that may influence its negotiating stance on Ukraine. Similarly, the U.S.’s commitments to Israel and other regional allies could shape its approach to these talks.
Critics have drawn parallels between the current negotiations and historical instances of appeasement, cautioning against concessions that might embolden aggressive actions in the future. The absence of Ukrainian and European voices at the table has intensified these concerns, with some viewing it as a sidelining of key stakeholders in favor of expedient resolutions.
As the talks commence, the international community watches closely, recognizing that the outcomes could have far-reaching implications not only for Ukraine and Europe but also for global norms regarding sovereignty and international cooperation. The interplay between the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Middle Eastern geopolitics adds layers of complexity to the negotiations, making the path to peace both intricate and uncertain.
As Rubio’s diplomatic mission unfolds, the world watches closely. The outcome of the US-Russia talks could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine, while Trump’s Middle East policies face resistance from key regional players. With multiple conflicts and shifting alliances at play, Saudi Arabia’s role as a mediator is increasingly under the spotlight.
