A significant development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has emerged as U.S. and Russian officials convened for their first discussions since the war began nearly three years ago. The bilateral negotiations took place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal moment in the diplomatic landscape surrounding the war. This meeting occurred just hours after European leaders met in Paris to discuss security measures for both their nations and Ukraine, highlighting the fragmented approach to peace efforts.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed strong concerns over the exclusion of Kyiv from these discussions, emphasizing that any resolution must involve Ukrainian representatives. He stated, “We want no one to decide anything behind our backs,” reinforcing that Ukraine must be included in any talks regarding its future.
As the U.S. and Russia engage in separate talks, the situation illustrates the challenges of achieving a resolution to the deadliest European conflict since World War II. Analysts note that while the Trump administration aims for a swift peace deal, European allies are wary of any agreements that might inadvertently empower Russia or create security gaps in the region.
Andrew Rasiulis, a fellow at the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, commented on the dual tracks of negotiation, suggesting that the U.S. is pushing for a quick resolution, while European nations advocate for a more deliberative process that includes multiple stakeholders. “The question is how” these parallel discussions will eventually converge, he noted.
During the Riyadh meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that while Ukraine was part of the discussions, the agenda also included restoring embassy staffing levels and enhancing economic cooperation between the U.S. and Russia. The talks signal a departure from the previous strategy of isolating Russian President Vladimir Putin due to the war.
The prospect of a future summit between Putin and President Trump was hinted at, although no specific dates have been established. U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz reiterated the U.S. stance that the war must come to a permanent conclusion, with future negotiations likely to involve discussions on territorial disputes and security guarantees.
In contrast to the U.S.-Russia talks, European leaders are grappling with their own divisions regarding support for Ukraine. A recent meeting in Paris among leaders from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Poland, Spain, the Netherlands, Denmark, NATO, and the European Union resulted in agreements to boost defense spending. However, there was a notable split on the potential deployment of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine, with some leaders expressing openness to the idea while others deemed it premature.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicated a willingness to consider troop deployments if a lasting peace agreement is reached. However, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz cautioned against such discussions at this stage.
Amid these developments, Trump has suggested that Ukraine might need to hold new elections, questioning whether the Ukrainian populace should have a say in the peace process. He also indicated that any future Ukrainian NATO membership must be off the table, a position echoed by Russian officials.
Zelenskyy’s administration remains adamant that it must be directly involved in any negotiations. The Ukrainian president postponed a planned trip to Saudi Arabia to avoid legitimizing the U.S.-Russia discussions, underscoring the urgency of Ukraine’s inclusion in the peace process.
In a parallel effort, Canada has been invited to participate in further European talks, with Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressing a desire for Canada to play a role in establishing security guarantees for Ukraine.
As the conflict nears its three-year mark, the front lines remain largely static, though both sides continue to suffer significant casualties. Zelenskyy stated that neither side can achieve victory on the battlefield, indicating a growing recognition that a diplomatic solution is necessary. The U.S. and Russia have agreed to continue their talks, with both sides appointing representatives for regular consultations on the situation in Ukraine.