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U.S. and Russia Open Peace Talks on Ukraine Without Kyiv or Europe

Discussions in Riyadh mark a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, raising concerns about concessions and the exclusion of key stakeholders.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Governor of Kamchatka Territory Vladimir Solodov in Moscow, Russia, February 17, 2025. Sputnik/Mikhail Metzel/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

Overview

  • U.S. and Russian officials met in Riyadh for the first major talks since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, with no Ukrainian or European representatives present.
  • The Trump administration signaled potential concessions, including territorial discussions and Ukraine's NATO exclusion, sparking alarm among Kyiv and European allies.
  • Both sides agreed to restore embassy staffing and establish working groups to explore a negotiated end to the conflict, but no concrete agreements were reached.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the talks, emphasizing that no resolution is acceptable without Ukraine's involvement in negotiations.
  • The meeting reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, prioritizing bilateral relations and possible cooperation with Russia over multilateral alliances.