Top diplomats from the United States and Russia met in Saudi Arabia for talks on February 18, 2025. The meeting marked the first high-level discussions between the two countries since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The setting for these talks was Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, where both nations discussed their strained relationship and explored ways to ease tensions. However, what stood out was the absence of Ukraine from the discussions, raising concerns and frustrations, especially in Kyiv and Europe.
A Tense Start to the Talks
The meeting in Riyadh began without any warm gestures, with no handshakes or statements made to the public. The US Secretary of State, along with senior officials, faced Russia’s Foreign Minister and his team across the table. The talks were held in a cold and serious atmosphere, highlighting the deep divisions between the two countries. Despite the high-level nature of these talks, both sides made it clear that they did not expect a breakthrough immediately. Instead, they viewed the meeting as the beginning of a long and complicated process.
One significant aspect of the meeting was that Ukraine was not invited to the table. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration over this, emphasizing that Kyiv should be included in any discussions that concern its future. Ukrainian officials felt excluded from talks that would affect their country’s future, especially given the ongoing war with Russia. This exclusion became a key point of tension, with Zelensky stating that Ukraine could not accept any agreements made about it without its participation.
European leaders also expressed concern. In Paris, just one day before the talks in Riyadh, European officials held emergency discussions to address the situation. They were alarmed by the potential shift in US foreign policy under President Trump, who had recently shown a willingness to engage more directly with Russia. Many feared that Ukraine’s interests might be sidelined if such negotiations continued without its involvement.
Tension Over Ukraine and Security Concerns
At the heart of the US-Russia talks in Riyadh was the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began when Russia invaded the country three years ago. While both sides discussed the possibility of a ceasefire and a resolution to the war, there was no clear agreement on how to move forward. Russia’s position has been that any long-term resolution to the conflict must include discussions on broader European security issues. Russia has made it clear that it opposes Ukraine’s membership in NATO, though it acknowledges Ukraine’s right to join the European Union.
This focus on security issues highlights Russia’s broader concerns about NATO’s presence in Europe. Moscow has long pushed for discussions aimed at limiting NATO’s influence in the region. As these talks unfolded, the Kremlin also indicated that a lasting peace in Ukraine could only be achieved if these security concerns were addressed. However, both sides have ruled out any territorial concessions in Ukraine, which remains a major sticking point.
On the other hand, the United States has shown interest in seeing a quick resolution to the conflict. This is largely driven by the desire to stabilize the situation in Ukraine and improve relations with Russia. US officials have stated that they are not expecting immediate progress on the details of the conflict but are focused on laying the groundwork for future talks.
In addition to discussions about Ukraine, the US and Russia also addressed a variety of other security issues. Moscow has long sought a broader dialogue with Washington on various global matters, not just the situation in Ukraine. The outcome of these talks will depend on whether both sides can agree on a way forward that satisfies their respective concerns.
The Absence of Europe and Ukraine’s Reaction
One of the most controversial aspects of the Riyadh talks was the exclusion of European nations from the discussions. Despite being deeply affected by the conflict in Ukraine and its potential to spill over into Europe, Russia’s Foreign Minister stated that European nations had no place at the negotiating table. This dismissal of Europe’s role in the process has raised eyebrows in capitals across the continent. European leaders, who are key allies of Ukraine, have expressed concerns that the US might be shifting its stance towards Russia, leaving Ukraine in a precarious position.
In response to these developments, Ukraine’s leadership has made it clear that they will not accept any peace talks or agreements without their participation. Zelensky reiterated that his country was willing to engage in talks with Russia, but only once a unified stance had been established with its allies. As the diplomatic process unfolds, it is clear that the exclusion of Ukraine from these crucial discussions will remain a significant obstacle to any potential resolution.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials are pursuing other diplomatic avenues to address the situation. President Zelensky’s presence in Turkey and his planned visit to Saudi Arabia reflect his efforts to engage with other world leaders and keep Ukraine’s interests at the forefront of international discussions. However, without direct involvement in talks with Russia, Ukraine’s path to peace and security remains uncertain.