Senior Russian and U.S. Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia Amid Tensions Over Ukraine

Introduction

Senior officials from Russia and the United States convened in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for high-stakes discussions aimed at improving strained relations and exploring pathways to bring an end to Moscow’s ongoing war in Ukraine. The meeting, held at the historic Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, was attended by prominent figures from both nations, marking a notable shift in diplomatic efforts under the Trump administration. Notably absent from the talks were representatives from Ukraine, a decision that has sparked fierce criticism from Ukrainian leaders who argue that any negotiations about their country’s fate must include their direct participation.

Key Attendees and theMeeting’s Purpose

Leading the delegations were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Rubio was joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Lavrov was accompanied by Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign affairs advisor to the Kremlin. Also present at the outset of the meeting were Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan and national security advisor Musaed al Aiban, though they were expected to depart early, leaving the primary discussions to the U.S. and Russian delegations. The meeting was widely seen as an attempt to reset U.S.-Russia relations, which have been severely strained since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Ukraine’s Absence and Its Implications

The exclusion of Ukrainian officials from the talks has been a contentious issue, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy openly expressing his disapproval. In a statement on Monday, Zelenskyy made it clear that Kyiv would not accept the outcome of any negotiations conducted without its representatives at the table. This stance underscores Ukraine’s insistence on maintaining control over its own destiny, particularly as its sovereignty and territorial integrity remain at the heart of the conflict. The absence of Ukrainian representatives has also drawn criticism from some Western allies, who view it as a departure from the united front that has characterized international support for Ukraine since the war began.

A Shift in U.S. Policy Under Trump

The meeting in Riyadh represents a significant departure from the U.S. policy of isolating Russia, which has been a cornerstone of Western strategy since the invasion of Ukraine. Under the Trump administration, there has been a noticeable shift toward engaging with Moscow, with the president himself suggesting last week that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had reached an agreement to begin negotiations on ending the war. This move has been met with skepticism by many, who question whether such talks can yield meaningful progress without Ukraine’s involvement and whether they may undermine the broader international consensus on supporting Kyiv.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Facilitating the Talks

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the meeting highlights its growing influence as a diplomatic intermediary on the global stage. The kingdom’s decision to facilitate the talks reflects its strategic interests in maintaining stability in the region and fostering stronger ties with both the U.S. and Russia. Saudi officials, however, were not heavily involved in the substantive discussions, with their role appearing to be largely ceremonial at the outset of the meeting. This approach allows Saudi Arabia to present itself as a neutral actor while also positioning itself as a key player in international diplomacy.

Conclusion

The meeting in Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations, with far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. While the discussions may signal a new era of diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow, the absence of Ukrainian representatives has raised concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of any potential agreements. As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of the Ukraine war, the outcome of this meeting will be closely watched for signs of whether it can lead to meaningful progress—or whether it may instead deepen divisions. The Associated Press contributed to this report.