Top officials from the US and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. They plan to discuss the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and explore ways to strengthen bilateral ties. Since both nations have confirmed the meeting, expectations for progress remain high.
Key Delegates to Attend
According to official statements, senior representatives from both sides will participate. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Putin’s foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, will represent Moscow. Meanwhile, the US delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Clearly, this meeting brings together influential decision-makers.
US Policy Shift Towards Russia
Notably, this meeting signals a shift in Washington’s approach. Previously, the US focused on isolating Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. However, by engaging directly, the US now appears open to diplomatic efforts. Moreover, these discussions may set the stage for a future meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine Excluded from Talks
Despite the war being the central issue, Ukraine has not received an invitation. A BBC report revealed that the discussions will be “purely bilateral.” Furthermore, Russian state media quoted Ushakov, who emphasized, “Russia came with a serious approach too.” Consequently, Kyiv remains absent from a conversation that directly impacts its future.
Focus on Restoring US-Russia Relations
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov outlined the key agenda. He stated that officials will prioritize restoring diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow. Additionally, they will explore possible steps for peace negotiations and plan a potential summit between the two presidents. Given the stakes, the outcome of this meeting could shape global diplomacy in the months ahead.