Today in Riyadh, US and Russian officials have gathered to begin high-stakes talks aimed at negotiating an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
However, the talks are being held without Ukrainian representation, and Kyiv has made it clear that it won’t accept any peace agreement that excludes them from the process.
This meeting is seen as a significant step by the Trump administration to shift its stance on Russia.
It’s an attempt to open diplomatic channels and possibly reverse the US policy of isolating Russia.
The talks are meant to set the stage for a potential meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a development that has raised concern among Ukrainian officials and European leaders.
Tensions in Kyiv Over Peace Talks Without Their Input
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his country’s exclusion from the talks.
On Monday, he made it clear that Ukraine would never accept any agreements made without their involvement.
“We cannot recognize any decisions or agreements about us without us.
And we will not recognize such agreements,” Zelensky stated, emphasizing that discussions with an aggressor during wartime were historically considered improper.
This move comes at a time when European leaders are growing increasingly concerned about the future of NATO’s security support for Ukraine.
There are fears that President Trump might pull back US protection, leaving countries like the Baltic states vulnerable to further Russian aggression.
European Leaders Scramble to Form a Unified Front
Ahead of today’s talks, European leaders attempted to unite in their support for Ukraine.
Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK’s Labour Party, urged the US to ensure a “backstop” for any peace deal involving Ukraine.
Despite this, a summit in Paris aimed at showing European solidarity ended in disarray.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was visibly frustrated, leaving early and expressing irritation at the “premature” discussions happening “over Ukraine’s head.”
The German leader’s comments highlight the tension in Europe, with several countries, including Poland, Spain, and Italy, expressing skepticism about the UK’s proposals for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine.
The Significance of Today’s Talks in Riyadh
The US and Russian delegations have gathered at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace, a venue located near the Ritz Carlton hotel.
This marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic efforts surrounding the war in Ukraine, with US officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz in attendance, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
These discussions are a crucial step toward improving US-Russian relations, which have been severely strained due to the war.
This meeting builds on earlier conversations, including a phone call between Trump and Putin earlier this month, where they discussed the possibility of starting negotiations on the conflict.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Role in Global Diplomacy
The choice of Riyadh as the venue for these talks highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global diplomacy.
The kingdom has been positioning itself as a mediator throughout the war, successfully hosting negotiations, such as those surrounding prisoner exchanges, and bringing Ukraine’s President Zelensky to an Arab League summit in 2023.
This meeting is another attempt by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to improve the kingdom’s image internationally and to solidify Saudi Arabia’s status as a key player in global politics.
Though once criticized by the West over human rights issues, including the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, hosting these talks allows Saudi Arabia to gain a measure of respect and influence, especially as tensions rise in the Middle East and Ukraine.
The Bigger Picture and Global Concerns
As the world watches the talks unfold in Riyadh, there are broader concerns about the long-term effects of these negotiations.
US officials have positioned today’s talks as a way to gauge Russia’s true intentions regarding ending the war.
However, Moscow is eager to make the most of its open dialogue with Washington, and there’s uncertainty about whether the outcome will be favorable for Ukraine or the broader international community.
In the aftermath, there’s also speculation about how this will affect global relations, particularly with regards to Russia’s economic ties with the US and its plans for the future.
Both sides are hoping to make progress, but the next steps in these negotiations will likely determine the future course of the conflict.