The United States and Russia have initiated diplomatic negotiations to address the Ukraine conflict and prisoner exchanges, signaling a potential shift in international relations.
At a Glance
- U.S. and Russia are discussing ending the Ukraine war without involving Kyiv
- Talks follow a phone call between President Trump and Russian President Putin
- U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio; Russian delegation led by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov
- Both sides agreed to lay groundwork for future cooperation on geopolitical and economic opportunities post-conflict
- U.S. allies in Europe and Ukraine are concerned about being sidelined in the talks
U.S. and Russia Engage in High-Level Talks
In a significant diplomatic development, the United States and Russia have begun a new phase of negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and addressing prisoner exchanges.
Without Ukrainian President Zelenskyy.
The talks, which took place in Saudi Arabia, have been confirmed by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, marking a potential thaw in the previously strained relations between the two global powers.
The U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, met with their Russian counterparts, headed by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The discussions, which lasted 4.5 hours, were described as serious and productive by Kremlin adviser Yuri Ushakov.
“It was a very serious discussion on all questions that we wanted to touch on,” Yuri Ushakov said.
While the talks have been welcomed by many as a step towards peace, they have also raised concerns among U.S. allies in Europe and Ukraine. The apparent exclusion of Kyiv from these initial discussions has led to apprehension about the potential outcomes and their implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
But they’re missing the big picture. Russia wants peace now – not war. Even Dmitry Peskov is saying it – and that’s a big deal.
“From now on, we will talk about peace, not war,” Dmitry Peskov said.
See!
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that Kyiv would not recognize any agreements made without its participation.
He might have no other choice…
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Donald Trump welcomed American teacher Marc Fogel, released from a Russian prison, calling it a "show of good faith" from Moscow. Fogel, detained in 2021 for possessing medical marijuana, was freed as part of a… https://t.co/I01PqEDjrq pic.twitter.com/jm1NriCCzF
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Trump’s Role and Vision for Peace
President Donald Trump has played a significant role in initiating these talks, following a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump has expressed optimism about achieving peace and has suggested that a resolution may involve Ukraine ending its NATO ambitions and potentially ceding territory to Russia.
“I think we’re on the way to getting peace,” President Donald Trump said.
The President’s approach has drawn both support and criticism. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has aligned with Trump’s views, stating that NATO membership for Ukraine is unrealistic. However, this stance contrasts sharply with the previous administration’s position that Ukraine should be a full participant in any peace talks.
If Ukraine wants the war to end, they’ll have to come to the table – and soon.
