US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia for talks on ending the Ukraine war, but Ukraine itself has been left out of the discussions.
Quick Takes
- US-Russia talks on Ukraine conflict to be held in Saudi Arabia without Kyiv’s participation
- Trump administration signals a shift in approach to the Ukraine war
- European leaders excluded from talks, will meet separately in Paris
- Zelensky insists Ukraine won’t accept decisions made without its involvement
- Concerns arise over potential US concessions to Russia
Surprise Diplomatic Move: Ukraine Excluded from Peace Talks
In a surprising diplomatic development, top officials from the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. However, the talks have raised eyebrows as Ukraine, the country at the center of the conflict, has not been invited to participate. This unexpected move signals a potential shift in the US approach to the ongoing war, which has been raging since Russia’s full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022.
The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, while White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is also traveling to Saudi Arabia for the talks. President Donald Trump recently ended a three-year freeze on direct US-Russia contact with a call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which Trump described as lasting “for a very extended period, like about three hours.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently sent his foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, to Saudi Arabia for important discussions. This visit comes at a time when tensions between Russia and the United States are on the rise. The meeting is significant…https://t.co/hgKTiCeq1O
— USNewsper (@USNewsper) February 17, 2025
Ukraine’s Stance and European Reactions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been vocal about his opposition to any peace deal made without Ukraine’s involvement. He stated emphatically, “We will never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never.” This sentiment underscores the complex nature of the negotiations and the potential challenges in reaching a resolution that satisfies all parties involved.
Meanwhile, European leaders have also been excluded from the Saudi Arabia talks. Instead, they will meet in Paris for discussions on Ukraine and European security. French President Emmanuel Macron will host an informal meeting, with attendees including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. This parallel meeting highlights the complex web of diplomatic efforts surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
Shifting US Strategy and Its Implications
The Trump administration’s decision to engage directly with Russia without Ukraine’s presence at the table represents a significant shift in strategy. US special envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, defended this approach, suggesting that previous negotiations failed due to too many parties being involved.
President Trump has indicated that he is accelerating efforts to end the war, stating, “we’re working to get it done.” However, his administration’s suggestions that Ukraine joining NATO is impractical and that returning to pre-2014 borders is unlikely have raised concerns among European allies about potential US concessions to Russia.
Broader Implications for US-Europe Relations
The exclusion of European leaders from the Saudi Arabia talks and recent statements by US officials have sparked discussions about the future of US-Europe relations. US Vice-President JD Vance has urged Europe to increase its defense contributions, while Zelensky has called for the creation of a European army, citing that reliance on Washington is no longer viable.
As these high-stakes negotiations unfold, the international community is watching closely. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching consequences for Ukraine, European security, and the balance of power between the United States and Russia. While the path to peace remains uncertain, this unexpected diplomatic maneuver marks a critical juncture in the ongoing efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
