U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace negotiations. The leaders agreed to start immediate talks following a 90-minute phone call, their first confirmed dialogue since Trump’s 2025 inauguration. Trump emphasized Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s role in facilitating discussions, citing his involvement in recent prisoner swaps.
Saudi Arabia Emerges as Neutral Ground for Talks
Trump revealed the potential summit location during a White House press briefing, stating, “We expect to meet in Saudi Arabia first”. Saudi Arabia’s neutral status and prior mediation efforts make it a strategic choice amid Putin’s limited international travel due to an ICC arrest warrant. Both leaders aim to address energy cooperation, AI, and Middle East stability alongside Ukraine.
While Trump assured Ukraine’s inclusion, Kyiv fears sidelining as U.S. officials labeled NATO membership “unrealistic” and pre-2014 borders “illusory”—key Russian demands. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his call with Trump as “meaningful” but stressed territorial integrity remains non-negotiable. Teams from both nations will begin daily negotiations ahead of Friday’s Munich Security Conference.
Global Reactions and Challenges Ahead
China proposed hosting a parallel summit, leveraging its ties with Moscow to position itself as a peace mediator. European leaders, however, warned against excluding Kyiv, insisting “no lasting peace” exists without Ukraine’s direct involvement. Analysts caution that Trump’s focus on rare earth minerals in exchange for aid risks undermining Ukrainian sovereignty.
Trump’s approach mirrors his first-term diplomacy with North Korea, prioritizing high-profile summits over detailed groundwork. Critics argue conceding territory legitimizes Russian aggression, while supporters hail renewed dialogue after years of stalemate. With Saudi Arabia poised to host this pivotal meeting, the world watches whether “common sense”, as Putin reportedly phrased it, will prevail.
As the international community watches closely, the potential meeting in Saudi Arabia may serve as a crucial turning point. Both nations must recognize the urgency and work diligently toward a peaceful resolution for the sake of all affected.
