Negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin this week, led by a delegation of U.S. officials traveling to Saudi Arabia. The initiative comes as part of efforts to establish a peace agreement following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent commitment to engage in talks. Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced his plans to join National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Saudi discussions.
The meetings are scheduled to start on Sunday evening, with Witkoff emphasizing the importance of building trust as a foundation for the negotiations. He expressed hope for significant progress in addressing the conflict that has persisted since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Witkoff stated, “I am going tonight. I’ll be traveling there with the national security advisor, and we’ll be having meetings at the direction of the president.”
President Donald Trump, who is overseeing the peace talks, highlighted the urgency of the situation during a recent press conference. He described the ongoing war as “horrible” and “vicious,” reiterating his administration’s commitment to finding a resolution. Trump confirmed that while he would not be attending the talks personally, high-ranking officials would represent U.S. interests in the discussions.
The backdrop of these negotiations includes Trump’s previous statements during his 2024 campaign, where he claimed that the war would not have occurred if he had been in office at the time. His administration is now taking proactive steps to facilitate dialogue, with Trump directing his team to engage with key stakeholders in the region.
The Saudi meeting is expected to include discussions not only on the Russia-Ukraine conflict but also on the broader geopolitical implications, including the recent ceasefire agreements involving Israel and Hamas. Witkoff’s visit to Gaza earlier this week may also play a role in shaping the discussions.
As the U.S. delegation prepares to depart, the international community is watching closely, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to lasting peace in a region that has endured significant turmoil. The outcome of the talks could have far-reaching effects on global stability and U.S. foreign policy moving forward.