MUNICH/WASHINGTON, Feb 15 – In a significant development aimed at addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, officials from the United States and Russia are set to meet in Saudi Arabia in the coming days. The discussions are expected to focus on finding a resolution to the nearly three-year-long conflict that has left Ukraine in turmoil.
Ukraine Left Out of Initial Talks
Despite being the primary party in the war, Ukraine has not been invited to participate in these initial negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv will not engage in any discussions with Moscow before consulting with its strategic allies. The exclusion of Ukraine from the preliminary talks has raised concerns about its role in shaping a potential peace agreement.
Key U.S. Officials to Attend Meeting
The U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. These officials will engage in discussions with their Russian counterparts, although it remains unclear which Russian representatives will be present.
On the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul confirmed that the objective of these talks is to lay the groundwork for a high-profile meeting involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy. The goal is to establish a framework for ending the war through diplomatic means.
Trump’s Role and European Concerns
President Trump, who assumed office on January 20, has repeatedly expressed his commitment to bringing the Ukraine war to a swift conclusion. Last week, he held separate phone calls with both Putin and Zelenskyy to discuss potential peace initiatives. However, Trump’s approach has left Washington’s European allies uneasy.
European nations fear being sidelined in negotiations, especially after receiving a questionnaire from the U.S. administration asking what they could contribute to Ukraine’s security guarantees. This move has been interpreted as a sign that Europe may not play a direct role in shaping the final peace agreement.
Further fueling these concerns, Trump’s Ukraine envoy confirmed on Saturday that European nations would not be included in the upcoming negotiations. This exclusion has intensified worries among Western allies about the future security of Ukraine and the broader stability of the region.
U.S.-Russia Diplomatic Engagements
Ahead of the Saudi Arabia meeting, Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged in a conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The two officials agreed to maintain regular contact in preparation for a potential summit between Trump and Putin.
Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy is set to embark on a diplomatic tour, with planned visits to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. However, he has stated that he does not intend to meet with U.S. or Russian officials during these visits.
Current Situation on the Battlefield
The war in Ukraine remains at a critical stage. Russian forces currently control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory and have been making slow but steady advances in the eastern regions. Ukrainian forces, struggling with manpower shortages, are focused on maintaining their defensive positions.
Moscow has insisted that any peace deal must include Ukraine ceding territory and adopting a permanently neutral status. On the other hand, Ukraine demands the complete withdrawal of Russian troops and seeks security guarantees, including potential NATO membership, to prevent future aggression from Russia.
U.S. Aid and Economic Interests in Ukraine
Since the war began, the United States and its European allies have provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars in military aid. However, President Trump has made it clear that he seeks security assurances for continued U.S. financial support to Kyiv.
Beyond military aid, economic factors are also playing a role in the discussions. The U.S. and Ukraine are currently negotiating an agreement that could facilitate American investments in Ukraine’s critical mineral sector. According to multiple sources, the U.S. has proposed securing a 50% stake in Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, which could significantly impact the country’s economic future.
While Zelenskyy acknowledged the ongoing negotiations, he emphasized on Saturday that any final agreement must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
The Road Ahead
As diplomatic efforts intensify, the planned meeting in Saudi Arabia marks a crucial step in the push for a resolution to the Ukraine war. However, with Ukraine’s exclusion from the initial discussions and uncertainty surrounding the involvement of European allies, questions remain about how the final peace agreement will be shaped.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether these negotiations lead to a viable diplomatic solution or if the conflict continues to escalate.