In a significant diplomatic move, the United States and Russia are set to begin peace talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, February 18, aiming to bring an end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Notably, Ukraine and European nations have been excluded from the initial discussions, sparking criticism from Kyiv and Western allies. Saudi Arabia, playing the role of mediator, has expressed its commitment to facilitating constructive dialogue between the two global powers.
High-Level US Delegation to Lead Talks
The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, accompanied by National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. These top officials are expected to present Washington&rsquo;s vision for de-escalating the war and exploring diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
On Sunday, February 16, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating he could meet him "very soon." Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump revealed that his team had been engaged in extensive discussions with Russian officials. He particularly noted that his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently met with Putin for nearly three hours.
&ldquo;I think he wants to stop fighting,&rdquo; Trump said about the Russian leader, suggesting a window of opportunity for diplomatic negotiations.
Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Mediation Role
Saudi Arabia is taking an active role in the negotiations beyond just providing the venue. A senior Saudi official confirmed to American media that the kingdom&rsquo;s national security adviser would lead the Saudi mediation efforts. Riyadh has been positioning itself as a neutral party that can bridge the gap between the two powers, leveraging its strategic relationships with both Washington and Moscow.
Ukraine and Europe Express Displeasure Over Exclusion
The decision to exclude Ukraine and European nations from the initial talks has raised significant concerns. Ukrainian officials have expressed disappointment over their lack of representation, emphasizing that any peace agreement should involve Kyiv directly. Trump administration officials, including Keith Kellogg, the U.S. Russia-Ukraine envoy, have suggested a &ldquo;dual track&rdquo; approach to negotiations, with separate discussions planned in Kyiv this week. However, many in Ukraine remain skeptical about the effectiveness of such an arrangement.
Meanwhile, European leaders have also voiced concern over their exclusion. European Union officials and NATO representatives have reiterated that any resolution to the war must involve key European stakeholders.
UK Ready to Deploy Troops for Peace Enforcement
Amid ongoing diplomatic maneuvers, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer made a striking announcement on Sunday. He stated that the United Kingdom is &ldquo;ready and willing&rdquo; to deploy British troops on the ground in Ukraine to ensure the enforcement of a potential peace deal. Starmer emphasized that Europe must take on a greater role in defense and NATO obligations while acknowledging that U.S. support remains crucial for stability in the region.
The UK prime minister also revealed plans to meet with Trump and other G7 leaders in the coming days to solidify a coordinated approach to the ongoing crisis. His remarks underline the growing concerns in Europe over the trajectory of the negotiations, given their absence from the first round of talks.
A Turning Point in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict?
As the Russia-Ukraine war nears its third anniversary, the Riyadh talks mark a potential turning point in efforts to end the conflict. While the exclusion of Ukraine and Europe raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the negotiations, the high-level U.S.-Russia discussions indicate a renewed push for diplomacy.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether these talks pave the way for a broader peace agreement or if they further complicate the geopolitical landscape. For now, the world watches as Riyadh becomes the stage for a high-stakes diplomatic effort aimed at ending one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history.

US President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia King Mohammed Bin Salman and Russian President Vladimir Putin

High-level talks in Saudi Arabia aim to end the Russia-Ukraine war, sparking global reactions

US-Russia Peace Talks to Begin in Riyadh Without Ukraine

High-level talks in Saudi Arabia aim to end the Russia-Ukraine war, sparking global reactions

February 17, 2025 | 10:55 IST