US and Russia Begin Controversial Negotiations on Ukraine in Riyadh
Negotiators from the United States and Russia, led by their respective foreign ministers, have commenced face-to-face talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, aimed at reaching a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine and addressing European security concerns. Notably absent from the discussions are representatives from Ukraine and the European Union, prompting significant backlash from Kiev and Brussels.
The delegations are led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marking the first direct meeting between US and Russian officials since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine in January 2022. The negotiations follow a critical phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, which occurred last week and set the stage for this meeting, seen as a precursor to a potential summit between the two leaders.
This absence of Ukrainian and European voices at the negotiation table has drawn parallels to the post-World War II era, when major powers divided spheres of influence in Europe without input from affected nations. The discussions are expected to address key points of contention, particularly the future of NATO's eastern expansion, which Ukraine's government strongly advocates while Russia vehemently opposes.
In response to the unfolding situation, leaders from major European nations convened informally in Paris, resulting in a stark display of division. Countries like Germany, Spain, and Poland expressed their reluctance to commit troops to Ukraine in exchange for security assurances stemming from the negotiations. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz criticized the negotiations as being conducted "behind the Ukrainians' backs," emphasizing the need for Ukraine to have a seat at the table.
On the British front, Prime Minister Keir Starmer has voiced his support for an initiative previously proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, indicating a shared responsibility to ensure Ukraine's security, which he considers synonymous with protecting the continent’s security overall.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has categorically rejected any agreements reached without Ukraine's participation, warning that excluding NATO membership from negotiations could lead to chaos. In an interview with German public television, he firmly stated, "You can't take it off the table. It doesn't work that way. I don't think anyone is interested in an Afghanistan 2.0." He further underscored the importance of reliable security guarantees, arguing that any agreements lacking such assurances, including a mere ceasefire, would risk a renewed onslaught from Russia—not just against Ukraine, but potentially against other European nations as well.
Zelensky's remarks were made following his dialogue with Macron, illustrating a shared commitment to finding robust security solutions, as well as a clear message about the dangers of negotiating peace without direct involvement from those most affected by the conflict.
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