Moscow and Washington seek to restore bilateral ties and pave the way for a settlement of the Ukraine conflict
Top Russian and US diplomats are holding talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to find a way to restore diplomatic relations, set the stage for a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, and pave the way for resolving the Ukraine conflict.
The Russian delegation is led by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and includes Yury Ushakov, Putinβs top foreign policy aide. Kirill Dmitriev, the CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), is also taking part in the negotiation process. The American side is represented by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trumpβs national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East.
Neither Ukraine nor the EU is attending the meeting, with Kiev signaling that it wonβt recognize the results of the talks unless it is included.
BREAKINGβ‘π·πΊπΊπΈNegotiations between Russian and US delegations began in Riyadh
— The Global South Post (@INdEptHGlobal) February 18, 2025
Headed by Lavrov and Rubio #Russia #USA #RussiaUSA #Rubio #Lavrov #SaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/JQcMm36k3o
