Diplomatic Talks Between US and Russia in Riyadh, Ukraine Absent

kiev, ukraine - First round of negotiations between US and Russia in Riyadh sparks concerns in Kiev as Ukraine's absence raises questions about its role in the conflict.

Diplomatic Talks in Riyadh

The initial talks between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Riyadh on Tuesday focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the economic sanctions against Russia. Ukraine's absence from the negotiations raised eyebrows in Kiev.

Discussions revolved around the potential exchange of territories, Ukraine's NATO membership, and its possible EU accession. Dr. Mordechai de Haas, a Russia expert, highlighted the power dynamics at play, emphasizing that Ukrainian President Zelensky's influence in the negotiations is limited.

Concerns over NATO troops entering Ukrainian territory and the US's role in the conflict were also addressed during the talks. Zelensky's recent overtures towards negotiating with Russia and offering rare minerals to the US for support were noted.

The negotiations are seen as crucial for achieving lasting peace in Ukraine, with security guarantees against Russian aggression being a key priority for Kiev. However, skepticism remains regarding the US's intentions, with speculations about leveraging Ukraine's resources for military purposes.

Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy for the Middle East, played a key role in the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance of power in the region. The absence of Ukraine in the discussions and the potential implications of the negotiations on the country's security were also highlighted.