US, Russian officials to meet in Saudi Arabia to negotiate end of war — Ukraine not invited

A High-Stakes Meeting in Saudi Arabia: The Quest for Peace in Ukraine

In a significant development, officials from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to advance discussions aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine. According to multiple reports, this high-profile gathering is expected to take place next week and will involve senior figures from both nations. The U.S. delegation will reportedly include prominent names such as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. While the Russian officials attending the meeting have not been named, the talks are seen as a crucial step in exploring potential pathways to peace in Ukraine. This diplomatic effort comes at a time when the international community is increasingly seeking a resolution to the conflict, which has caused immense human suffering and geopolitical instability.

Concerns Over Exclusion: Ukraine and Europe Left Out of Talks

However, the decision to hold these talks in Saudi Arabia has raised eyebrows, particularly due to the exclusion of key stakeholders. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly expressed his nation’s frustration at not being invited to the negotiating table. The Guardian reports that Zelensky’s government feels sidelined, despite being the most directly affected party in the conflict. Similarly, European powers, which have played a significant role in supporting Ukraine through military aid and economic sanctions, are also being excluded from the discussions. This has led to questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the process, with many wondering how a sustainable peace can be achieved without the involvement of those most impacted by the war.

A Call to Action: Europe Urged to Step Up

While the U.S. and Russia prepare for their talks, European leaders are being urged to take a more proactive role in the negotiations. At the Munich Security Conference, Keith Kellogg, President Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine, addressed European leaders with a stern message. “To my European friends, I would say: ‘Get into the debate, not by complaining that you might, yes or no, be at the table, but by coming up with concrete proposals, ideas, [and] ramp up spending,’” Kellogg said. His remarks underscored the growing expectation that Europe should not only voice its concerns but also contribute meaningful solutions to the crisis. This call to action comes as European countries continue to grapple with the economic and security implications of the war in Ukraine.

A Reset in U.S.-Russia Relations: Opportunities and Challenges

The upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia is also seen as part of a broader effort to reset U.S.-Russia relations, which have been strained for years. In a recent phone call between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the two sides appears to have laid the groundwork for further negotiations. This dialogue is taking place against the backdrop of a recent telephone conversation between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which concluded with a mutual commitment to visit each other’s nations. Such exchanges, while symbolic, could signal a shift in the tone of bilateral relations. However, the path ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly given the deep-seated distrust and competing interests between the two powers.

A New Era of Diplomacy: Historical Context and Future Prospects

The proposed exchange of visits between Trump and Putin has drawn comparisons to past meetings between U.S. and Russian leaders. The last sitting U.S. president to visit Russia was Barack Obama in 2013, when he attended the G-20 Economic Summit. Obama’s visit was part of a broader effort to reset U.S.-Russia relations during his presidency, though the results were mixed. Meanwhile, former President George Bush, Obama’s predecessor, visited Russia seven times during his time in office, reflecting the importance of personal diplomacy in managing the relationship. As the two leaders consider similar steps, the historical context serves as a reminder of both the opportunities and limitations of high-level engagement.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Uncertainties

As the international community waits with bated breath for the outcome of the Saudi Arabia talks, there are plenty of uncertainties about what lies ahead. Vice President JD Vance’s recent meeting with President Zelensky, described as “fruitful,” reinforced the Trump administration’s commitment to achieving “a durable, lasting peace” in Europe. However, earlier statements by President Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suggest that Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders and its potential NATO membership—both contentious issues—are unlikely to be fully restored. These positions have sparked debate, both domestically and internationally, about the feasibility of such an outcome and its implications for regional security. With so many moving parts and competing interests, the path to peace in Ukraine remains fraught with challenges, and the success of the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia will be closely watched by all.