US, Russia to Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia Over Ukraine War

U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia soon to discuss ending Russia’s nearly three-year war in Ukraine, according to U.S. Representative Michael McCaul and a source familiar with the plans. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Germany, stated Ukraine was not invited and would consult strategic partners before engaging with Russia.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff will attend the talks. The Russian delegation remains unknown. The goal is to arrange a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Zelenskiy to broker peace.

Trump, who assumed office on January 20, has pledged to swiftly end the conflict. His calls with Putin and Zelenskiy have unsettled European allies, as Washington excluded Europe from the peace process, asking only for their contributions to Kyiv's security guarantees.

Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov have agreed to maintain regular contact to prepare for a Trump-Putin summit. Zelenskiy plans visits to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey but has no scheduled meetings with U.S. or Russian officials.

As Russia controls a fifth of Ukraine and pushes eastward, Kyiv faces manpower shortages. Russia demands Ukraine cede territory and adopt neutrality, while Ukraine seeks a full Russian withdrawal and NATO membership or equivalent guarantees. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Ukraine are negotiating a deal granting the U.S. a 50% stake in Ukraine's critical minerals, though Zelenskiy insists on adequate security provisions.

Since the war began, Ukraine has received billions in U.S. and European military aid. Trump supports Ukraine but prioritizes securing U.S. funding interests.