High-level diplomatic discussions between Russia and the United States are set to take place in Saudi Arabia on February 18, 2025. The talks aim to resolve tensions over the war in Ukraine and could pave the way for a potential meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump. However, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has expressed doubts about the talks’ effectiveness.
Key Participants in the Saudi Arabia Talks
On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov will represent Moscow in Riyadh. The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
The Kremlin confirmed that the discussions would focus on two main objectives: restoring US-Russian relations and exploring a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The two sides will also lay the groundwork for a potential high-stakes meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
It’s expected that both sides will discuss complex issues surrounding the war, with hopes of creating a framework for peace, although specific details on the talks remain scarce. Many observers are watching the summit closely, wondering whether this will signal a shift in the strained relationship between the two superpowers.
Ukrainian President’s Response: A Skeptical View
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy weighed in on the upcoming talks during a media call from the United Arab Emirates on Monday. While he confirmed that Ukraine would be monitoring the discussions, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about the talks’ potential to bring about meaningful change, particularly given that no Ukrainian officials would be directly involved.
His concerns center on the absence of a Ukrainian voice at the table. Zelenskyy emphasized that the talks would likely not yield results, as his country’s priorities and demands are not being directly represented in these crucial discussions. Ukrainian officials have long insisted that any peace talks should involve them, given the dire impact the war has had on their nation.
While Zelenskyy maintains a cautious stance, his spokesperson Andriy Yermak previously stated that Ukraine had no plans for immediate direct engagement with Russian representatives. Instead, Yermak stressed that Ukraine would pursue its diplomatic efforts only once it had developed a comprehensive plan to achieve “just peace” and end the conflict.
Trump-Putin Call Signals a Shift in US-Russia Relations
The high-stakes talks come on the heels of a significant phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. In their discussion, Trump and Putin reportedly agreed to have their respective teams begin negotiations immediately. The call marked a significant shift in US policy, ending years of isolating Moscow due to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Trump later informed Zelenskyy about the call, which was expected to set the stage for further diplomatic developments. However, the shift in tone raised concerns in some circles, especially in Ukraine, where there is wariness over the possibility of the US softening its stance on Russia.
While Trump’s remarks about the US-Russia dialogue have been somewhat ambiguous, it is clear that he seeks to reframe the relationship between the two countries and explore diplomatic avenues for peace. Some critics, however, remain wary about the long-term implications of such discussions, particularly given Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.
Trump’s Comments on Zelenskyy’s Involvement
Trump commented on Zelenskyy’s participation in the upcoming talks on Sunday, noting that the Ukrainian president would be involved in the process, but providing no further details. While Trump acknowledged Zelenskyy’s importance in any future negotiations, it remains unclear how directly Ukraine will influence the talks in Saudi Arabia.
Zelenskyy, for his part, made it clear that he would travel to Turkey on Monday and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. However, he stated that his visit to Saudi Arabia was unrelated to the US-Russia discussions scheduled for February 18. Instead, Zelenskyy’s trip appeared to focus on other diplomatic engagements, as his nation continues to navigate the complexities of the war and its international relations.
Potential Roadblocks to Direct Ukrainian-Russian Dialogue
Despite ongoing efforts to foster peace, the possibility of direct talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials remains uncertain. Zelenskyy’s adviser, Andriy Yermak, reiterated that Ukraine would not meet with Russia unless a clear, comprehensive peace plan was on the table. Yermak’s comments reflect the deep mistrust that remains between the two countries, particularly given the backdrop of ongoing violence and territorial disputes.
A direct dialogue between the two sides is still seen by many as a distant possibility, as both countries hold firm on their positions. For Ukraine, any agreement would need to prioritize its territorial integrity and the safety of its citizens, while Russia is unlikely to back down on its strategic interests.
