The United States and Russia have embarked on a significant step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and enhancing bilateral relations, following high-level discussions in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
In the first face-to-face meeting between senior U.S. and Russian officials since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov engaged with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Constructive Dialogue
After extensive 4.5-hour talks, Envoy Witkoff described the Saudi meeting as \"positive, upbeat, constructive.\" Ushakov highlighted the seriousness of the discussions, noting mutual agreements to consider each other's interests and develop bilateral relationships.
The U.S. and Russia agreed to \"establish a consultation mechanism to address irritants to our bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalize the operation of our respective diplomatic missions,\" according to a U.S. Department of State statement.
Both nations plan to \"appoint respective high-level teams to begin working on a path to ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible in a way that is enduring, sustainable and acceptable to all sides,\" the statement added. Additionally, they aim to lay the groundwork for future cooperation on mutual geopolitical interests and economic opportunities emerging from a successful resolution to the Ukraine conflict.
At a press conference, Lavrov described the discussions as \"very useful,\" reiterating Russia's firm stance against the deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.
This meeting signals a potential thaw in the previously strained relations between Washington and Moscow, which have been notably tense since U.S. President Donald Trump took office in January.
Last week, a nearly two-hour phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin led to an invitation for Trump to visit Moscow. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov mentioned plans for a working meeting in a third country, while Trump described the call as \"lengthy and highly productive.\" This conversation has set the stage for further official exchanges.
Following the Riyadh talks, Lavrov and Rubio agreed to maintain regular contact, pledging to keep communication channels open to address ongoing issues in their bilateral relations. This includes efforts to eliminate unilateral obstacles from the previous U.S. administration that hinder cooperation in trade, economy, and investment, as stated by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Mixed Reactions from Europe and Ukraine
The U.S. and Russia discussions have elicited varied responses from Europe and Ukraine, who were notably excluded from the talks. European leaders convened an emergency meeting in Paris to reaffirm their commitment to supporting Ukraine, expressing concern over their exclusion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently visiting Turkey, expressed surprise over the U.S.-Russia talks, stating that Ukraine should be involved in any negotiations to end the conflict. Zelenskyy announced the cancellation of his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that negotiations should not occur behind Ukraine's back.
The shift in the United States' approach to the Ukraine-Russia conflict comes amidst growing tensions over defense cooperation between the U.S. and European allies. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has repeatedly called on Europe to take more responsibility for its own security, citing dissatisfaction with European defense spending.
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U.S., Russia agree to improve ties, work on ending Ukraine conflict
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