The Kremlin has announced that Russian officials will meet U.S. counterparts in Saudi Arabia this week to discuss peace initiatives regarding Ukraine. Key officials include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky is in the UAE focused on investment and humanitarian efforts.
The Kremlin has confirmed that high-ranking Russian officials will hold discussions with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia this week, as efforts to initiate peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict intensify. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov indicated that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential adviser Yuri Ushakov are scheduled to arrive in Riyadh for discussions on Tuesday.
Key topics will include revitalizing U.S.-Russia relations, potential negotiations concerning Ukraine, and plans for a possible meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed from Israel to Saudi Arabia and commented during a television appearance that arrangements had not been finalized.
In addition to Rubio, Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and national security adviser Mike Waltz will also travel to Saudi Arabia. Rubio noted that, “One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one,” emphasizing the unique position of Trump in potentially facilitating the diplomatic process.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also recently arrived in the United Arab Emirates after his participation in the Munich Security Conference. Accompanied by First Lady Olena Zelenska, Zelensky’s visit marks his first since the onset of the conflict. His office announced that the trip aims to address the return of captives, along with discussions about investments and humanitarian initiatives.
Notably, the UAE has emerged as a potential venue for peace negotiations, benefiting from its historical role in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, although the state-run news agency did not immediately report Zelensky’s arrival, which is unusual.
In summary, significant diplomatic efforts are underway, as Russian officials prepare for meetings in Saudi Arabia aimed at addressing the Ukraine war and improving U.S.-Russia relations. Additionally, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to the UAE underscores ongoing international engagement in resolving the conflict. Both sets of discussions exemplify the pursuit of peace amidst a complex geopolitical environment.
Original Source: www.newsweek.com
