In a significant development following high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov firmly stated that Russia will not accept the deployment of NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of any potential peace agreement. This declaration came after the first known face-to-face talks between Russian and American delegations since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
During the meeting, which included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior officials, Lavrov emphasized that any presence of foreign armed forces, even under different flags, would be "completely unacceptable." This strong stance highlights ongoing tensions surrounding NATO’s role in the region and Russia’s security concerns.
The talks, held in Riyadh, marked a crucial step towards negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Both Russia and the U.S. agreed to form teams that will work on establishing a framework for discussions. Rubio described the meeting as an important first step in what he acknowledged would be a long and challenging process. He expressed optimism that Russia was ready to engage seriously in dialogue to resolve the conflict.
Notably absent from the discussions was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who expressed surprise and concern over his country’s exclusion from the talks. Zelensky conveyed his frustration, stating that any decisions regarding Ukraine’s future should involve Ukrainian representatives. He stressed the importance of fairness and transparency in discussions about the war, underscoring that Ukraine cannot be sidelined in negotiations that directly affect its sovereignty.
The meeting also involved a commitment from both sides to appoint ambassadors to each other’s countries, aiming to restore diplomatic cooperation. Lavrov characterized the conversation as productive, asserting that both parties listened to and understood each other’s positions. He reiterated Russia’s long-held view that NATO’s expansion, particularly Ukraine’s potential membership, poses a direct threat to Russian security.
As the geopolitical landscape evolves, European leaders are closely monitoring these developments. In Paris, a hastily arranged meeting among European leaders took place to discuss their response to the apparent thawing of relations between the U.S. and Russia. While UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated a willingness to consider deploying British troops to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz deemed such discussions premature. Meanwhile, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed skepticism about sending troops, highlighting divisions among European allies regarding military involvement in Ukraine.
The ongoing conflict has left Ukraine in a precarious position, heavily reliant on U.S. support for its defense against Russian advances. Zelensky’s visible distress during a recent news conference in Turkey reflected the uncertainty surrounding Ukraine’s future as diplomatic efforts unfold without its direct participation. As negotiations progress, the stakes remain high for all parties involved, with the potential for significant implications for regional stability and security.