Top Russian and US officials meet for talks on Ukraine war without Kyiv
Associated Press3 days ago
US, Russia Hold Talks for First Time Since 2021
Above: US and Russian diplomats attend a meeting together at Riyadh's Diriyah Palace on Feb. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Evelyn Hockstein/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Diplomatic talks between the US and Russia have commenced in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with delegations led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The meeting marks the first official discussions between the two countries since 2021.
The US Department of State announced after the meeting that the two nations agreed to create a consultation mechanism to "address irritants" to their bilateral relationship, and to appoint "high-level teams" to work towards peace in Ukraine. Rubio also told AP News they had agreed to restore respective embassy staff.
The US delegation included National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Stephen Witkoff, while Russia was also represented by presidential aide Yury Ushakov and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev.
The Spin
Anti-Trump narrative
Negotiating with Russia over Ukraine is futile and dangerous. Putin has consistently acted in bad faith, and any "peace" deal would likely result in Ukraine being left vulnerable to further aggression. The idea that the war can be settled diplomatically undermines the necessity of a clear Ukrainian victory. Only decisive military defeat of Russia will ensure Ukraine’s sovereignty and preserve international order. Negotiations now would just embolden future conflicts.
Pro-Trump narrative
The world owes Donald Trump a debt of gratitude for preventing World War Three through his decisive peace talks with Russia over Ukraine. By engaging with both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump is bringing an end to a devastating conflict that should've never begun, restoring hope for a peaceful future. His leadership, prioritizing diplomacy and reducing US involvement in foreign wars, secures stability and avoids further unnecessary bloodshed.
Pro-Russia narrative
Though Zelenskyy resists, Ukraine’s fate is no longer his to decide. The country lies devastated, abandoned by millions and reliant on foreign aid. Zelenskyy, a puppet of European ideological interests, opposes a US-led Russian peace deal, but his voice now holds no weight. Russia has consistently sought an end to the West's antagonism, and Trump’s peace talks with Putin must secure a common-sense solution confirming Ukraine’s future as a neutral, non-NATO state.