The first round of negotiations between the United States and Russia over the Ukraine conflict has officially ended in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Both delegations met in the Royal Palace for four and a half hours, describing the discussions as positive and constructive.
Key Agreements from the U.S.-Russia Talks
- Both nations will form special teams to develop a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- Plans for a Trump-Putin meeting are in progress, although officials have not set a date.
- The U.S. delegation, led by Mark Rubio, Mike Woltz, and Steve Witkoff, presented a detailed strategy to end violence and ensure long-term stability.
- Russian leaders, including Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s advisor Yuri Ushakov, expressed optimism about the new diplomatic efforts.
U.S. Pushes for a Lasting Peace
After the meeting, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Woltz stressed the urgency of a permanent resolution rather than another temporary ceasefire. He emphasized that:
“This must be the final end to the war, not just another pause. Discussions on territorial adjustments and security guarantees are necessary, and they must serve as the foundation for lasting peace.”
Russia Sees a Shift in U.S. Diplomacy
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov acknowledged that the United States now better understands Moscow’s position. He highlighted a shift from previous diplomatic approaches and stated:
“These talks were valuable and productive. A structured process for resolving the Ukraine conflict will soon take shape. Once Washington announces its representatives, we will do the same.”
Ukraine Responds: ‘No Peace Without Us’
At the same time, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. He strongly criticized the U.S.-Russia talks for excluding Ukraine and declared:
“You cannot negotiate an end to the war without Ukraine at the table. I was not invited to the meeting in Saudi Arabia and only learned about its outcomes through the media. I will officially visit Riyadh on March 10.”
Europe’s Position on the Peace Talks
Meanwhile, European leaders gathered at the Élysée Palace in Paris. They also pointed out that negotiators had not invited them to participate. However, they concluded that if the United States guarantees security, then Britain and other European nations may deploy peacekeeping forces to separate the warring sides.
What’s Next?
The next phase of negotiations will focus on assembling official negotiating teams and setting a date for the Trump-Putin meeting. However, Ukraine’s absence from these early discussions raises concerns about the legitimacy and effectiveness of any final agreement.
For the latest updates on the Russia-Ukraine peace process, follow our coverage as global diplomacy continues to evolve.
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