High-level negotiations between Russia and the United States have begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marking the first direct diplomatic engagement between the two nations since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
Russian state media agency TASS reported the talks on February 18, with both sides exploring avenues to restore relations and discuss the war in Ukraine.
Russia Claims U.S. is Finally Listening
Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and a member of Moscow’s delegation, expressed optimism, suggesting that progress could be made within two to three months.
“The U.S. is now ready to hear Russia’s position. The Biden administration was never interested in understanding our concerns before,” Dmitriev said.
He also hinted at the potential for joint U.S.-Russia projects, particularly in the Arctic, and claimed that sanctions had hurt the United States more than Russia—a statement strongly disputed by Western economists.
While official details remain scarce, the discussions are believed to cover:
Ukraine: Moscow may push for a ceasefire under Russian terms, while Washington is likely gauging Russia’s willingness to negotiate.
Sanctions: Russia wants relief from crippling economic sanctions, but U.S. officials insist that’s not on the table yet.
Strategic Cooperation: Dmitriev mentioned Arctic cooperation, though Washington remains skeptical of partnering with Russia amid ongoing hostilities.
The U.S. State Department downplayed the significance of the meeting, with spokesperson Tammy Bruce telling Bloomberg that the goal is to assess Moscow’s stance, not to strike a deal.
“I don’t think people should see this as something about the details or moving forward with any negotiations,” Bruce said.
She also declined to confirm whether the talks could pave the way for a direct summit between Trump and Putin.
“We Won’t Recognize Any Backroom Deals”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that Kyiv will reject any agreements made without its direct participation, calling such discussions meaningless.
“There will be no deals over Ukraine without Ukraine,” Zelenskyy’s office stated.
With Ukraine absent from the table, concerns are mounting that Washington and Moscow could attempt to broker an agreement over Ukraine’s head—a scenario Kyiv fiercely opposes.
