U.S. and Russia Engage in Ukraine War Discussions Excluding Kyiv: NPR

Leading U.S. and Russian officials convened for discussions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, initiating an important round of negotiations to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The discussions follow a recent conversation between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they concurred on the necessity of collaborative efforts to achieve a resolution to the conflict.

Leading the U.S. delegation was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov headed their side.

Post-meeting, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced that Rubio and Lavrov had committed to “laying the foundation for future cooperation on matters of shared geopolitical significance and the economic and investment prospects that could arise from a successful conclusion to the conflict in Ukraine.” She further indicated that both nations would designate “high-level teams to initiate discussions on a path to concluding the conflict in Ukraine as expeditiously as possible, ensuring it is lasting, sustainable, and acceptable for all parties involved.”

The U.S. delegation also included National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and notably, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who had engaged with Russian officials in Moscow recently to broker a prisoner exchange involving American schoolteacher Marc Fogel.

After the discussions, Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov expressed optimism that the meeting lasted for four and a half hours.

“It was a very serious discussion covering all topics we intended to address,” Ushakov reported, emphasizing that both parties recognized the value of improved relations for both Washington and Moscow.

Saudi discussions did not include Ukraine and European allies

The unexpected U.S.-Russian rapprochement has left European and Ukrainian allies taken aback, with concerns they may be left out of negotiations impacting their shared futures.

Neither Ukraine nor its allies were invited to the Saudi discussions, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that Kyiv would not recognize agreements reached in their absence.

Prior to the talks, the Kremlin viewed the moment as a diplomatic opportunity for a fresh phase in discussions.

“From now on, we will discuss peace, not war,” proclaimed Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov in a Sunday interview broadcast on state television.

Meanwhile, on the eve of the Saudi meeting, Lavrov highlighted that Trump and Putin had agreed to put an end to this “abnormal period,” wherein Moscow and Washington refrained from communication.

To demonstrate a spirit of newfound cooperation, the Kremlin confirmed it had consented to the unilateral release of an American detained with a minor amount of cannabis at a Moscow airport earlier this month.

During Biden’s tenure, several Americans—including basketball star Brittney Griner and schoolteacher Fogel—have faced lengthy prison sentences for similar charges, viewed by the Biden administration as a tactic of Russian “hostage diplomacy” aimed at facilitating prisoner exchanges.

Signs of a possible end to the war

As the talks began, Lavrov indicated his primary role would be to “listen” to the U.S. proposals and relay them back to the Kremlin.

State Department spokesperson Bruce similarly conveyed that the U.S. aimed to gauge Moscow’s seriousness about negotiating a settlement.

However, Lavrov had already indicated beforehand that any suggestion of returning territory annexed by Russia to Ukraine would be off the table.

“They claim we ought to concede territory—concede to what?” Lavrov questioned. “To protect ethnic Russians living there from destruction?” referencing unverified accusations of atrocities allegedly committed by Ukrainian forces.

This comes as a sign that, with advances made by Russian forces in the field, Moscow may show little inclination to compromise.

The task for U.S. negotiators was further complicated by statements from the White House prior to the commencement of talks.

President Trump has been vocal about any peace requiring Ukraine to abandon its NATO aspirations and return territories annexed by Moscow—essentially yielding to two significant demands from Russia.

Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin advisor, told NPR he expects Trump’s America First approach means the President has little concern for the specifics of a settlement.

“Trump aims to conclude the conflict,” Markov stated, adding that beyond that “the primary concern for Trump is his public image. He needs to maintain the image of a strong leader—he cannot appear as a loser.”

Putin has also extended an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow soon, sparking speculation that Trump may join him in Red Square this May to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Russia’s victory in World War II.