Kremlin Confirms U.S.-Russia Peace Talks Set for Saudi Arabia

The Kremlin announced that Russian officials will meet U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace negotiations regarding Ukraine. Key figures such as Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will participate, alongside Donald Trump’s aides. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in the UAE to pursue humanitarian discussions.

The Kremlin has confirmed that senior Russian officials will engage in discussions with their U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week, indicating a potential advancement in peace talks regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential advisor Yuri Ushakov will arrive in Riyadh for scheduled talks on Tuesday.

The agenda of the discussions will encompass the restoration of U.S.-Russia relations, negotiations pertaining to Ukraine, and the preparation for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined the talks, traveling to Saudi Arabia after departing from Israel.

Additionally, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and national security adviser, Mike Waltz, are also set to participate in the discussions in Saudi Arabia. Rubio indicated on the program “Face the Nation” that, while conversations have not been finalized, he was slated to visit Saudi Arabia in any case.

President Donald Trump alluded to the possibility of a meeting with President Putin in Saudi Arabia, following a recent phone call between them. However, Rubio cautioned, stating, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one,” while also suggesting that Trump possesses the potential to initiate the peace process.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived in the United Arab Emirates after attending the Munich Security Conference. His visit marks his first trip to the UAE since the onset of the war in 2022, joining First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Zelensky’s agenda includes discussions on securing the release of Ukrainian captives, fostering economic partnerships, and formulating a large-scale humanitarian program. The UAE has been recognized as a strategic venue for peace negotiations, reflecting its historical involvement in facilitating prisoner exchanges, although the state-run WAM news agency has not yet reported on his arrival.

In summary, the Kremlin’s confirmation of U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia highlights the escalating discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Key U.S. officials are participating in the dialogue, while President Zelensky’s visit to the UAE underscores the broader search for peace and cooperation in the region. The outcomes of these discussions may significantly impact international relations and the ongoing war effort.

Original Source: www.newsweek.com