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In a controversial diplomatic move, senior officials from the United States and Russia convened in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for high-stakes negotiations aimed at easing tensions and seeking a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The closed-door meeting, held at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace, signaled a major shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, drawing concern from European allies and Ukrainian leaders who were notably absent from the discussions.
The meeting, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marked the first significant diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow on Ukraine since Trump’s reelection. Despite its significance, Ukraine was not invited, fueling fears that its fate could be decided without its direct involvement.
Ukraine Excluded from Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed strong disapproval, stating, “Any negotiations about Ukraine must include Ukraine. We will not accept deals made behind our backs.” European leaders echoed his concerns, with French President Emmanuel Macron calling an emergency EU meeting to strategize a response.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer underscored the need for European involvement, stating, “A lasting peace must include security guarantees for Ukraine. The U.S. alone cannot decide Ukraine’s future.”
Diplomatic and Economic Implications
U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce described the meeting as a step toward “sustainable peace,” announcing a new U.S.-Russia consultation mechanism to resolve diplomatic tensions. Rubio emphasized the need to re-staff embassies in Washington and Moscow, saying, “Normal diplomatic functions are essential to ongoing dialogue.”
Russian investment leader Kirill Dmitriev, who also attended, highlighted potential economic opportunities if sanctions were lifted. “U.S. businesses have lost over $300 billion by leaving Russia,” he claimed.
Europe Scrambles to Respond
European leaders are now scrambling to assert their role in future peace talks. Macron reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Ukraine, while Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk urged increased EU defense spending, warning, “If we fail to act now, we will pay a much higher price later.”
With tensions rising and Ukraine demanding a seat at the table, the next steps in these negotiations will determine not just the future of Ukraine but the balance of global power.
