Headline: U.S. and Russia Hold High-Stakes Talks in Riyadh on Ukraine War, Excluding Kyiv
Riyadh, February 18, 2025 – In a significant diplomatic shift, top U.S. and Russian officials met in Riyadh on Tuesday to discuss ending the Ukraine war, marking a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations. The talks, led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, excluded Ukrainian representatives, sparking concerns in Kyiv and among Western allies.
The meeting, hosted at Diriyah Palace, follows former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement earlier this month that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to negotiate an end to the conflict. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly stated that Kyiv will not accept any agreements made without its participation. 
The U.S. delegation, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, joined Lavrov and Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov. Saudi officials, including Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, briefly attended before departing, underscoring Riyadh’s role as a mediator.
The talks aim to rebuild U.S.-Russia ties, which have deteriorated to historic lows since the war began nearly three years ago. However, the absence of Ukraine has raised fears of a deal unfavorable to Kyiv. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for “strong and credible security guarantees” for Ukraine, vowing to collaborate with European and U.S. partners.
As the world watches Riyadh, the summit highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic influence, despite criticism of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. Meanwhile, Russia continued its drone attacks on Ukraine, injuring civilians and damaging residential areas, underscoring the urgency of peace efforts.
