Senior diplomats from the United States and Russia met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss restoring ties and exploring possible steps towards ending the war in Ukraine.
While both sides downplayed expectations, the meeting has caused concern in Ukraine and Europe, particularly after recent US diplomatic overtures towards the Kremlin.
The talks, held at Diriyah Palace, did not include Ukrainian representatives. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Kyiv had not been invited and rejected any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement. European leaders held emergency discussions in Paris in response to the US shift in approach.
Preparations for a potential summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin were also expected to be on the agenda.
Trump is seeking a quick resolution to the war, while Russia sees an opportunity to negotiate broader security issues, including NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and senior aide Yuri Ushakov met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the talks as a first step in a long process.
Both Russia and Ukraine have ruled out territorial concessions. While Zelensky recently expressed willingness to meet Putin, he insists on a united position with Ukraine’s allies first.
