President Trump’s decision to pursue direct talks with Russia regarding the war in Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies and Ukrainian officials who fear being sidelined in the negotiations. The US has sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Russian counterparts. While Ukrainian and European officials may not be directly involved in the initial talks, Rubio has stated that they will be included in any “real negotiations” moving forward.
Despite worries about being left out of the conversation, White House officials have pushed back against the idea that Europe is being excluded. Trump has spoken with French President Emmanuel Macron and is expected to consult with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has offered to deploy UK troops to assist in guaranteeing Ukraine’s security as part of a peace agreement. With his good relationship with Trump, Starmer has the potential to act as a bridge between Washington and Brussels.
As the US cautiously re-engages with Moscow following the Biden administration’s restrictions on communication with Russia, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s potential participation in the Saudi talks remains uncertain. While a Ukrainian delegation has laid the groundwork for Zelenskyy’s possible visit, there has been no confirmation from Kyiv regarding his involvement in the negotiations. As momentum grows for peace talks in the region, all parties involved are closely watching the developments in hopes of reaching a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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