Saudi Arabia to Host Landmark Peace Talks as Trump Reveals US-Russia-Ukraine Meeting Plans
US President Donald Trump announced a meeting next week in Saudi Arabia including senior officials from Russia, Ukraine, and America. Furthermore, Trump confirmed that US and Russian representatives will convene in Munich on Friday, with Ukraine receiving an invitation promptly.
He clarified during a White House briefing that discussions exclude him and President Vladimir Putin, involving only top officials instead.
“Tomorrow there’s a meeting in Munich and then next week, there’s a meeting in Saudi Arabia, not with myself or President Vladimir Putin, but with top officials. And Ukraine will be a part of it too,” he revealed.
Ukraine’s Crucial Role
Trump revealed his statement with passion and clarity, as he declared, and the world listened with intense curiosity immediately worldwide. Subsequently, Trump emphasized Ukraine’s seat at the table, asserting its essential role in ending the ongoing Russian conflict absolutely decisively.
“They’re part of it. We would have Ukraine, and we have Russia, and we’ll have other people involved, a lot of people,” Trump added.
Trump added further remarks regarding the meeting, and his statement immediately received strong reactions among numerous seasoned international diplomats globally. Subsequently, Trump expressed trust in Putin, firmly asserting his belief that Putin undeniably desires significant change in forthcoming diplomatic negotiations.
International Reactions
An adviser for Ukrainian President Zelenskiy stated Kyiv rejects talks with Russia until US, Europe, and Ukraine unify common positions. Zelenskiy firmly defended his country’s complete sovereignty, stressing that Kyiv must join all serious talks to ensure favorable peace agreements.
“We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us,” Zelenskiy said.
Russia’s financial markets surged while Ukraine’s debt price increased dramatically as talks raised hopes to end Europe’s deadliest conflict swiftly.
Diplomatic Tracks
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed Ukraine joins peace talks while the United States and Russia develop a bilateral negotiation track. Peskov clarified his comprehensive strategy by confidently asserting the development of two distinct dialogue tracks in forthcoming diplomatic negotiations today.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed diplomacy during a call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha to resolve conflict. Trump’s recent overture to Putin triggered concerns among Kyiv and NATO allies, fearing White House might exclude them from agreements.
Russia Impressed by Trump’s Efforts
Kremlin spokesman Peskov expressed deep admiration for Trump’s initiative, stating that Moscow felt very strongly impressed by his settlement efforts. Peskov indicated that arranging a meeting between Putin and Trump in Riyadh could take several months, prompting further strategic planning.
The two leaders spoke on Wednesday, planning a crucial face-to-face meeting after Trump’s defense secretary dismissed Ukraine’s NATO membership support.
Peskov confirmed Ukraine’s inevitable role and emphasized its participation in negotiations during a public interview with Russian state TV. “One way or another, of course, Ukraine will participate in the negotiations.”
Peskov added his remarks with further explanation on the dual-track dialogue involving Ukraine, confirming diverse participation for comprehensive clarity indeed. “There will be a bilateral Russian-American track of this dialogue, and a track that will be related to Ukraine’s involvement,”
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas warned any agreement excluding Europe and Ukraine will fail to secure lasting peace. “Any agreement without us will fail, because you need Europe and Ukraine to also implement the agreement,” Kallas said. “Any quick fix is a dirty deal.”
