In a surprising diplomatic move, the United States and Russia are holding peace talks in Saudi Arabia to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The negotiations, led by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, aim to pave the way for a future meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the absence of Ukraine and the European Union from these discussions has sparked significant controversy and concern.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vocally opposed any agreements made without Ukraine's involvement, emphasizing that any peace deal must include his government. The exclusion of Ukraine and the EU has also alarmed European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who have called for a more inclusive approach to peace negotiations.
Russia holds firm on its territorial claims, including the annexed regions of Donbas, Donetsk, Luhansk, and Crimea. The talks also highlight a shift in US foreign policy under Trump, who has diverged from the previous administration's approach by engaging directly with Russia.
While the US and Russia focus on mending ties and resolving the conflict, European leaders are left contemplating their next move. In Paris, discussions on increased defense spending and potential peacekeeping forces continue, with no clear consensus reached.
As the talks proceed, the international community watches closely, wary of the implications of a peace agreement reached without the full participation of all affected parties. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence the geopolitical landscape and the future of Ukraine's sovereignty and security alliances.
