The US and Russia have started top-level peace negotiations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to bring an end to the war in Ukraine that has been raging for nearly three years. The talks are the first between the two former Cold War rivals to bring an end to the conflict. The talks could pave the way for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
NEW: The U.S. and Russia begin the summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, negotiating the end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
🇺🇸 Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Advisor Waltz, Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff.
🇷🇺 Foreign Minister Lavrov, Presidential advisor Ushakov pic.twitter.com/jPjEbkL3aY
— Alex Salvi (@alexsalvinews) February 18, 2025
Top-Level Negotiations Without Ukraine’s Participation
U.S. and Russian officials gathered on Tuesday for the highest-level talks to date regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Putin’s foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, faced off against U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Despite the gravity of the talks, the media’s questions regarding Ukraine being put on the back burner during the talks were disregarded by the officials.
Ukrainian leaders, who are not participating in the negotiations, have been vocal in their criticism of any peace deals signed without them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week, “We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us.”
International Assistance and Intended Security Guarantees
Sweden has added its voice along with the UK to support the use of an international peace force to ensure Ukraine’s security. President Zelensky is demanding a minimum force of 150,000 troops, though Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson added that talks would need to move ahead before such a choice could be made.
During the peace negotiations, Hungary, a member of NATO, still shows its solidarity with Putin. Hungary has already tried to veto EU sanctions on Russia and has opposed peace agreements that might put Moscow in a disadvantageous position. Hungary’s Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, commented on Facebook that “pro-war” European leaders convening in Paris are attempting to block a peace agreement for Ukraine.
Growing Tensions and Ukraine’s Future
With the initiation of the US-Russian talks, all are keenly interested in the possible consequences of keeping Ukraine out of the negotiating table. Consequently, the exclusion raises significant concerns about the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. The talks are likely to significantly influence regional security since European allies such as Sweden and the UK are calling for assurances of the safety of Ukraine.
Despite constant negotiations, the situation remains precarious, and Ukraine’s independence and security are under threat.
