In a critical attempt to end the nearly three-year-long conflict in Ukraine, high-level delegations from the United States and Russia are set to convene in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday. The talks, which notably exclude Ukraine, have sparked controversy and concern among European leaders and Ukrainian officials. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will lead the American delegation, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Foreign Policy Envoy Yuri Ushakov head Russia’s team. Despite the absence of Ukraine, the discussions signify a significant diplomatic endeavor to address the ongoing war.
The United States and Russia chose Riyadh as the meeting location because it suits both countries, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The talks are seen as a crucial step towards a potential summit between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially scheduled for later this month. Notably, Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in facilitating early contacts between the Trump administration and Moscow, even orchestrating a prisoner swap last week.
However, Ukraine's absence from these talks has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He confirmed that Ukraine would not participate and emphasized that his country would not recognize any agreements made without its involvement.
“Ukraine regards any negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine as ones that have no result, and we cannot recognise … any agreements about us without us,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“Ukraine did not know anything about it,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Additionally, the U.S. has consistently advocated for European peacekeeping troops to enter Ukraine should a ceasefire or peace deal be reached. However, Russia remains firm in its opposition to European forces on Ukrainian soil. Foreign Minister Lavrov reaffirmed Russia's stance by stating that there would be no territorial concessions made to Ukraine during these discussions.
The exclusion of European leaders from these negotiations has also raised alarms within Europe. French President Emmanuel Macron swiftly convened an emergency meeting in Paris with key European leaders to address their exclusion from these fast-paced diplomatic maneuvers.
“We feel like we’re constantly left in the dark,” – A senior European official
“At the moment, we’re running behind the news. Our goal now is to show what we can bring to the table.” – A senior European official
Despite this tension, the meeting is considered a significant diplomatic event due to the high-profile figures involved on both sides. Alexei Venediktov remarked on the importance of Russia's delegation departing for Riyadh, highlighting their loyalty and insider status.
“A heavyweight Russia delegation is departing for Riyadh … All are loyal and trusted insiders,” – Alexei Venediktov
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's pivotal role continues to expand as they prepare to host these critical discussions. President Zelenskyy noted his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia but clarified that it was unrelated to the current talks.
“So, once again, my visits have nothing in common with those talks. Although when I arrive in Saudi Arabia I will ask his majesty what he knows about the topics of the talks,” – Volodymyr Zelenskyy
The United States has yet to appoint a chief negotiator for these peace negotiations with Russia regarding Ukraine. This absence underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
Dmitry Peskov emphasized Russia's commitment to preparing for possible negotiations and organizing the anticipated meeting between Trump and Putin.
“We will be devoted to the preparation of possible negotiations on the Ukrainian settlement and the organisation of a meeting between the two presidents” – Dmitry Peskov