High-level negotiations between American and Russian delegations have commenced in the Saudi capital, marking the most significant direct engagement between Washington and Moscow in years.
The talks were initiated following a call from U.S. President Donald Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, underscoring a shift in the White House’s approach to diplomacy with the Kremlin.
The U.S. delegation is led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Trump’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. On the Russian side, the talks are being attended by long-time Putin aide on foreign policy, Yuri Ushakov, and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Also present on the sidelines is banker Kirill Dmitriev, known for his close ties to both Russian and American political circles, although he is not formally part of the negotiations.
Ukraine and Europe Left Out of the Talks
One of the most striking aspects of the Riyadh meeting is the absence of representatives from Ukraine or European nations. Unlike previous international efforts to address the war in Ukraine, this round of talks appears to be a strictly bilateral exchange between Washington and Moscow, with Saudi officials serving as intermediaries.
Notably, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for the Russia-Ukraine conflict, is not present. Instead, he has travelled to Brussels for meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa. His parallel diplomatic engagements suggest that the U.S. is pursuing a separate track with European allies, even as Trump moves forward with direct talks with Moscow.
The exclusion of Kellogg raises questions about the scope of the negotiations. His absence suggests that Russia may have influenced the composition of the U.S. delegation, given that the Kremlin has long viewed Kellogg’s stance on Ukraine with scepticism. Meanwhile, European leaders, who met at an emergency summit in Paris, are assessing how to respond to Trump’s approach, which appears to sideline their views on ending the war.
Following his Brussels meetings, Kellogg is set to visit Warsaw for talks with Polish President Andrzej Duda. However, the fact that he is absent from discussions with Russia has led to speculation that his role is primarily to reassure European allies rather than shape U.S. policy on Ukraine.
Strategic Focus of the U.S.-Russia Dialogue
Secretary of State Rubio has stated that the talks in Riyadh are not focused on ending the Russia-Ukraine war but rather on structuring the broader negotiation process. He suggested that discussions on Ukraine’s involvement, as well as European participation, would be determined at a later stage.
For Russia, the primary objective is the restoration of bilateral relations with the U.S. The Kremlin has signalled a willingness to engage on topics such as nuclear arms control, economic cooperation, and regional security in the Asia-Pacific. However, this apparent openness is accompanied by rigid positions on Ukraine.
On the eve of the talks, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vasily Nebenzya reaffirmed Moscow’s insistence that Ukraine accept the loss of occupied territories. Russia is expected to push for U.S. recognition of these territorial changes as part of a broader agreement—a position already hinted at by Kellogg in previous statements.
Additionally, the Kremlin is likely to demand assurances regarding the demilitarisation of Ukraine, a long-standing condition put forward by Russian officials. These demands are not mere bargaining tactics but rather core components of Moscow’s strategy, which appears designed to exploit divisions in the Western alliance.
Trump’s Diplomatic Calculations
Trump’s decision to pursue direct engagement with Putin, while largely bypassing European allies, has raised concerns in Western capitals. Whether or not a Trump-Putin meeting materialises, the mere prospect of such an encounter is already being viewed as a diplomatic victory for Moscow.
The Kremlin seems to be testing Washington’s position. If the U.S. delegation signals flexibility on key Russian demands—such as territorial recognition or limits on Ukrainian military capabilities—it could mark a significant shift in American policy. Conversely, if the talks yield little progress, Russia may argue that Washington is divided in its approach.
For Europe, the talks represent a challenge to its role in transatlantic diplomacy. The Paris summit revealed growing frustration among European leaders, who are now faced with the reality that Washington may negotiate over their heads. Whether they can formulate a unified response remains uncertain.
A Defining Moment for U.S.-Russia Relations
The Riyadh talks could have lasting implications for global security. Trump’s handling of Russia, Ukraine, and Europe will shape the transatlantic order for years to come. The Kremlin, seeing an opportunity, is pushing maximalist demands while leveraging perceived weaknesses in the Western alliance.
The key question is whether Rubio, Waltz, and Witkoff will resist Russian pressure and uphold U.S. commitments to Ukraine. If the U.S. concedes too much, it could embolden Moscow while undermining American credibility among its allies.
Image source: Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service
Read also:
Donald Trump: Expanding on America’s Heinous Legacy in Ukraine, by Victor Rud
