U.S. and Russia initiate talks in Riyadh to address Ukraine conflict

Tuesday 18 February 2025 - 09:07

U.S. and Russian officials gathered for crucial discussions in Riyadh on February 18, marking a significant development in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The talks, which could lead to a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, are aimed at finding a way to end the war and restore relations between the two nations.

Although Ukraine is not participating in the discussions, it has made it clear that it cannot accept any peace agreements made on its behalf. Russia, represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, is expected to engage with top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The discussions are focused on not only resolving the war in Ukraine but also restoring the broader relationship between the U.S. and Russia.

Ahead of the talks, Kirill Dmitriev, the head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund, praised Trump as a skilled problem-solver. Dmitriev, who played a role in early communications between Moscow and Washington during Trump's first term, stressed the importance of finding economic solutions to the challenges posed by the war, noting the significant financial losses faced by U.S. businesses in Russia.

The talks come after European leaders met in Paris to discuss a unified strategy on Ukraine, with many surprised by Trump's push for direct talks with Putin. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed the urgency of standing with Ukraine, while emphasizing the need for European contributions to any potential agreement.

The Riyadh discussions mark a sharp shift from the Biden administration's approach, which had distanced itself from Russia due to its lack of commitment to peace. As talks unfold, U.S. officials are keen to determine if Moscow is genuinely willing to negotiate an end to the war.

The meeting is expected to address trade barriers and investment between the two countries, with an eye on preparing for future discussions about Ukraine’s future. Despite the challenges, the U.S. sees this as a critical step in gauging Russia’s intentions and exploring potential paths to peace.