KEY POINTS
- First round of US-Russia talks on ending the Ukraine war concludes in Riyadh.
- The talks focussed on resolving the Ukraine conflict and improving bilateral relations.
- Zelensky stresses Ukraine’s involvement in the peace talks.
- Rubio assures that European allies and Ukraine would be included in future talks.
- US, Russia agree to restore diplomatic relations by increasing embassy staffing.
- Russia reiterates its opposition to NATO expansion and the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.
- Future negotiations to focus on territorial disputes and security guarantees.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia: The first round of direct talks between the United States and Russia, aimed at seeking an end to the war in Ukraine, on Tuesday concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a major development in the international efforts to resolve the conflict.
Senior Russian officials, including Yury Ushakov, a key aide to President Vladimir Putin, confirmed the wrap-up of the talks on Tuesday.
Ushakov, speaking to reporters after the high-level meeting, described the talks as “very serious discussions on all issues,” emphasising that the delegates had engaged with a focus on improving bilateral relations, which have been at a historic low in recent years.
Trump-Putin meeting
The two sides also discussed the potential for a summit between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump. Ushakov said that the prospect of such a meeting was considered, but emphasised that it was “unlikely” to take place next week. The Russian official also noted that a team of negotiators would be appointed to continue talks.
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, had travelled to Riyadh with the primary aim of both seeking to find a resolution to the conflict and to begin the process of thawing US-Russian relations.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marked a shift in the US foreign policy under President Trump.
Zelensky expresses concerns
Interestingly, no Ukrainian officials were present at the talks, an absence that was met with criticism from Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sharply criticised the talks, insisting that any peace negotiations on Ukraine must involve Ukrainian representatives.
Speaking during an official visit to Turkey, Zelenskyy said, “Talks are taking place between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States of America. About Ukraine — about Ukraine again — and without Ukraine.”
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He further stated that Ukraine would not accept any agreements made without its involvement, stressing that Kyiv’s input was essential for any solution to the war.
EU engagement in Ukraine talks
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to allay concerns about Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks. He argued that the objective of the meeting was to establish lines of communication and build a framework for future cooperation, with a view to ending the conflict in a way that would be “fair, enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all parties involved.”
Rubio emphasised that the absence of direct Ukrainian participation at this stage did not preclude future involvement and that European allies would have to be engaged in the broader process.
The talks, which lasted for over four hours, were not just focused on Ukraine, but also on restoring diplomatic relations between the two nations.
US-Russia diplomatic ties
Lavrov and Rubio agreed to work on the “restoration of cooperation” between the US and Russia, aiming to normalise diplomatic operations in both capitals. This includes the restoration of staffing levels at their respective embassies, which have been heavily reduced following years of diplomatic expulsions on both sides.
Lavrov noted that the US and Russia had agreed to “lay the groundwork for future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest” and to “establish a consultation mechanism to address irritants” in their relationship.
Russia warns against NATO expansion
The Russian Foreign Minister highlighted that Russia views NATO’s expansion as a “direct threat” and reiterated the country’s opposition to any further enlargement of the alliance. Furthermore, Russia made it clear that the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine – even under different flags – would be unacceptable.
Following the talks, a senior Russian diplomat, Kirill Dmitriev, suggested it was too early to speak of any specific concessions, noting that both sides had listened to one another respectfully. While the atmosphere was professional, Dmitriev acknowledged that much work remained before any tangible outcomes could be expected.
The US State Department’s spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, described the meeting as “an important step forward” and noted that both sides were committed to working on a process that would lead to a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
She said, “One phone call followed by one meeting is not sufficient to establish enduring peace. We must take action, and today we took an important step forward.”
Security guarantees
US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that the upcoming negotiations would likely focus on key issues such as territorial disputes and security guarantees. These discussions will be crucial in shaping the terms of any peace agreement.
Waltz stressed that the goal of these talks was not to reach a temporary ceasefire, but rather a permanent resolution that would ensure the security and stability of the region.
While the US delegation, led by Rubio, appeared optimistic about the potential for future engagement, they also acknowledged the significant challenges ahead.
Rubio suggested that economic sanctions imposed on Russia due to its actions in Ukraine might be lifted as part of a broader peace settlement. However, he warned that this would depend on progress made in the negotiations and that there would be “concessions made by all sides.” He noted, “We’re not going to predetermine what those are.”
