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| US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met his Saudi counterpart in Riyadh after arriving in the country on Monday |
I n a pivotal diplomatic development, top US and Russian officials are set to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first face-to-face discussions since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The high-stakes meeting, which will take place within the hour, could shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict and broader US-Russia relations.
Key Takeaways from the Meeting
🔹 Objective of the Talks:
The US delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aims to assess Russia’s seriousness about ending the war, while the Russian side, headed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, seeks to normalize relations with Washington.
🔹 Russia’s Diplomatic Strategy:
Lavrov will be joined by Yuri Ushakov, a veteran diplomat and foreign policy adviser to President Vladimir Putin. Ushakov, who previously served as Russia’s ambassador to the US, has been instrumental in shaping Moscow’s foreign policy. His presence signals a strategic recalibration, bringing seasoned diplomats back to the negotiating table.
🔹 Ukraine and Europe Excluded:
A major point of contention is the exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly opposed any agreement made without Kyiv’s direct involvement, warning that Ukraine will not recognize any deal negotiated in its absence.
🔹 Possible Trump-Putin Meeting in Riyadh:
Following initial discussions, reports indicate that Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin are preparing for a potential meeting in Riyadh. This high-profile engagement could mark a significant shift in diplomatic efforts toward resolving the conflict.
🔹 European Backlash:
Feeling sidelined, European leaders convened an emergency summit in Paris to discuss their response. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed that Europe must be part of any decision-making process concerning Ukraine.
🔹 UK’s Position on Peacekeeping Troops:
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has suggested that British troops could be deployed to Ukraine as part of a future peacekeeping force—a proposal met with skepticism. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed the idea as "inappropriate" and "premature."
🔹 The Bigger Diplomatic Picture:
The inclusion of Lavrov and Ushakov—both deeply entrenched in Russia’s foreign policy—signals that Moscow may be more open to dialogue than previously assumed, though likely on its own terms. Their involvement suggests the meeting is not just about preparing for a possible summit but could indicate a broader strategic engagement.
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| Sergei Lavrov and Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov getting off the plane in Riyadh |
What’s Next?
With global attention focused on Riyadh, these discussions could either pave the way for de-escalation or reinforce existing geopolitical divides. The stakes are high, and world leaders are watching closely for any signs of a breakthrough.
Stay tuned to GLiDE NEWS MEDIA for real-time updates and expert analysis on this evolving diplomatic landscape.
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