On Tuesday, Riyadh will host a significant diplomatic meeting between Russian and US delegations, marking a rare moment of direct engagement after years of strained relations. The discussions will focus on the Ukraine conflict and broader efforts to break the deadlock in bilateral ties.
Leading the Russian delegation, under President Vladimir Putin’s directive, will be Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and senior Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov. According to CNN, the US team will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy for the Middle East Steven Witkoff.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted that a key objective of the meeting is to lay the groundwork for a potential Putin-Trump summit, signaling a possible shift in diplomatic dynamics.
Growing Media Interest
The upcoming talks have sparked considerable media attention, with speculation mounting over potential breakthroughs. The meeting is seen as a departure from Washington’s previous stance, which largely sought to isolate Moscow.
Recent developments suggest a recalibration in US foreign policy. A phone call between Putin and Trump on February 12 was described as “constructive and pragmatic,” with both leaders acknowledging the deterioration of relations during Joe Biden’s presidency.
This meeting will also mark the first comprehensive dialogue between Russian and American foreign ministers since early 2022. Unlike past encounters—limited to brief exchanges at global summits—Lavrov and Rubio are expected to engage in substantive discussions, reflecting a mutual recognition of the need for dialogue.
Ukraine and the Path Forward
The conflict in Ukraine is expected to dominate the agenda. While Moscow has consistently expressed readiness for negotiations, Russian officials maintain that Washington must take the first step in reviving diplomatic efforts.
Before departing for Saudi Arabia, Lavrov noted that the US initiated the meeting, and Russian representatives intend to carefully assess Washington’s proposals. The results of the talks will be relayed to both Putin and Trump, who will then decide on the next steps.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, scheduled to visit Riyadh the following day, dismissed the talks, stating that Ukraine has no involvement and will not acknowledge any decisions made in its absence.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS