U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Riyadh to discuss a potential peace agreement for Ukraine without Ukrainian representatives. The negotiations included proposals for a ceasefire and elections, with the U.S. acknowledging the need for cooperation with Russia. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has emphasized that any peace terms must involve his administration’s participation, reflecting concerns over the implications of new elections for his leadership.
On Tuesday, U.S. and Russian officials convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to negotiate a peace agreement regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, without the participation of any Ukrainian representatives. The U.S. delegation, headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, engaged in discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, also addressing a potential meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Their proposal includes a ceasefire and elections in Ukraine, which could pave the way for a formal peace accord.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce affirmed that Rubio’s team aims to establish a cooperative relationship with Russia on various issues beyond Ukraine. A significant focal point of the discussions is reportedly the pressure upon Ukraine to conduct new elections, as diplomatic sources suggest the U.S. and Russia consider that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might struggle to secure re-election.
During these talks, the Russian perspective suggests that Putin sees a favorable outcome in achieving a Ukrainian president amenable to negotiations, as stated by diplomatic attendees. In contrast, U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick expressed his opposition to the concept of forced elections for Ukraine, aligning with Zelenskyy’s firm stance against any peace negotiations that exclude Ukrainian input.
Zelenskyy indicated he will not return to Saudi Arabia due to the developments surrounding this meeting and remains adamant that any peace discussions must involve Ukrainians. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff emphasized the significance of the ongoing talks in Riyadh in fostering trust between the involved parties, rather than outlining the specifics of a peace agreement.
Zelenskyy previously communicated to Trump his caution regarding Putin’s reliability, asserting, “he is a liar” in a recent phone conversation. Nevertheless, Zelenskyy suggested that Putin might be apprehensive about Trump’s approach. Notably, the absence of European representatives from the negotiations raises concerns due to the recent criticisms from Vice President JD Vance aimed at European allies at the Munich Security Conference.
In the backdrop of these diplomatic talks, U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer has declared his willingness to deploy British forces to Ukraine as part of a security agreement, emphasizing the seriousness of this potential commitment and its broader implications for European security.
In summary, U.S. and Russian officials convened in Riyadh to discuss a peace strategy for Ukraine, proposing a ceasefire and elections, while excluding Ukrainian representatives. The talks have generated varied responses from U.S. lawmakers and Ukrainian leaders, with a particular focus on ensuring Ukrainian involvement in any resulting agreements. The absence of European allies during these discussions further complicates the diplomatic landscape as the conflict persists.
Original Source: www.foxnews.com
