In a major diplomatic development, officials from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days to discuss a potential peace deal to end the nearly three-year war in Ukraine.
A U.S. lawmaker confirmed the upcoming talks, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed that Ukraine was not invited.
Speaking after his meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Germany, Zelenskiy emphasized that Kyiv would only engage in discussions after consulting with its strategic allies.
Who’s Attending the Talks?
Leading the U.S. delegation will be Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
However, it remains unclear who will represent Russia in these negotiations.
According to U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, the talks aim to lay the groundwork for a future meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskiy to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s Push for a Quick Resolution
Since taking office on January 20, 2025, Trump has vowed to end the war swiftly.
Last week, he called both Putin and Zelenskiy, sparking concerns among European allies about their role in any potential peace agreement.
These fears deepened on Saturday when Trump’s Ukraine envoy confirmed that Europe would not have a seat at the negotiation table, despite Washington’s consultations with European leaders on security guarantees for Kyiv.
Russia and Ukraine’s Demands
The stakes remain high, as both nations hold firm on their conditions for a peace deal:
- Russia wants Ukraine to surrender territory and adopt neutrality.
- Ukraine demands Russia’s complete withdrawal and seeks NATO membership or equivalent security guarantees.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine are negotiating a separate agreement that could allow U.S. investors to acquire a 50% stake in Ukraine’s critical minerals industry.
However, Zelenskiy has expressed concerns, stating that the draft deal lacks key security provisions for Ukraine’s protection.
What’s Next?
With Saudi Arabia hosting these critical discussions, all eyes will be on the outcome of the U.S.-Russia talks and whether they can pave the way for an official peace summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy.
Stay tuned to NIGPOST for updates on this developing story.
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