Saudi Arabia is set to host the Russia-US talks in Riyadh to restore ties and set up negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine War.
Recently, the Kremlin stated that the discussions in Riyadh could pave the way for a face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin “very soon”.
Marco Rubio
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, arrived in Riyadh on Monday Feb 17, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, Rubio held an important meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
Both officials reviewed the Saudi-US relations and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral cooperation.
During their meeting, they also delved into the latest regional and international developments and pivotal efforts made in this regard.
On Saturday, Rubio spoke to Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov over the phone, discussing the war in Ukraine and other issues.
Michael Waltz
US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz will also attend the talks in Riyadh, Sky News reported.
He co-wrote an article in The Economist before his appointment in Mr. Trump’s cabinet, in which he announced his view of how the US could move to convince Russia to end the war. Crucially, he noted that there are two options: either by offering to ease sanctions or threatening greater assistance to Kyiv.
“America can use economic leverage, including lifting the pause on exports of liquefied natural gas and cracking down on Russia’s illicit oil sales, to bring Mr. Putin to the table,” he wrote in the 2 November piece, co-authored with Matthew Kroenig, a former Pentagon strategist.
If Putin refuses to negotiate, Washington can provide Ukraine with more weapons and decrease restrictions on their use, according to the article.
“Faced with this pressure, Mr. Putin will probably take the opportunity to wind the conflict down,” he added.
Steve Witkoff
Riyadh talks will also highlight the participation of Steve Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s Middle East envoy.
Witkoff emphasized that he was heading to Riyadh, according to a Fox News interview on Sunday.
“And hopefully we’ll make some really good progress,” he added.
Sergei Lavrov
Lavrov has been Russia’s Foreign Minister since 2004.
On Monday, he stated that he saw no reason for European leaders to take part in negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine, according to a press conference in Moscow.
Yuri Ushakov
Mr. Putin’s Foreign Policy Adviser Yuri Ushakov will be alongside Mr. Lavrov or the Russian side of the table.
Ushakov was the Ambassador of Russia to the United States from 1998 until 2008.
Related Topics:
Saudi Crown Prince Meets US State Secretary in Riyadh
Saudi Foreign Minister, US Secretary of State Discuss Latest Developments
US State Secretary Arrives in Riyadh
