U.S. officials are scheduled to meet with Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably, Ukrainian and European leaders have not been invited to these talks, leading to significant international concern. The U.S. delegation will include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
This development follows a recent phone call between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they agreed to initiate peace negotiations. The exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from these discussions has prompted criticism from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and various European leaders, who emphasize the necessity of their involvement in any peace process affecting regional security.
In response to these concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron has convened an emergency summit in Paris to address the situation and discuss Europe's role in the peace negotiations. European leaders are advocating for a unified approach to ensure that any agreements reached consider the security interests of all affected parties.
The decision to hold talks without Ukrainian and European participation has raised questions about the potential outcomes and legitimacy of any agreements made solely between the U.S. and Russia. As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring the negotiations and their implications for the future of Ukraine and broader European security.