US-Russia talks end without Putin-Trump meeting date: Will peace talks with Ukraine follow?

The talks between Russian and US officials in Saudi Arabia have concluded, but no specific date has been set for a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, according to a senior Kremlin official. Russian foreign affairs advisor Yuri Ushakov stated that the meeting was "unlikely" to take place next week, emphasizing the need for both countries' delegations to work closely together.

Diplomatic shifts: A turning point for US foreign policy?
The high-level discussions in Riyadh, attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, centered around improving relations between the two nations and finding a resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The absence of Ukrainian officials at the meeting has sparked concerns in Kyiv and among European allies, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserting that any outcome from the talks without Ukraine’s involvement would be unacceptable.

The talks are seen as part of President Trump's broader shift in foreign policy, aiming to restore US-Russia relations, which have deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov highlighted that the focus was on “restoring the entire range of US-Russian relations” and setting the stage for possible peace negotiations on Ukraine.

Allies express concerns about being sidestepped
The US has faced backlash from Ukraine and European allies over their perceived exclusion from the talks. US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce reiterated that Ukraine’s participation would be crucial in any future peace negotiations, continuing the policy established under former President Joe Biden.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his support for Ukraine, stating that Russia must end its aggression to achieve a “strong and lasting peace.” Macron further emphasized the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, pledging to work closely with all stakeholders in pursuit of peace.

Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role takes center stage
The talks were hosted at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh, underscoring Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's growing diplomatic influence, despite previous controversies. The kingdom’s relationship with both the US and Russia, particularly within the OPEC+ alliance, has allowed it to act as a mediator in the ongoing crisis.

In a statement, Russia’s sovereign wealth fund head, Kirill Dmitriev, underlined the significance of US-Russia cooperation in resolving global conflicts, particularly economic ones. The meeting marks the most extensive diplomatic engagement between Russia and the US since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

War continues unabated as tensions rise
As the diplomatic talks took place, the war in Ukraine raged on, with Russia launching a major drone attack on Ukrainian cities. The Ukrainian military reported that 176 drones were launched overnight, with most being destroyed or jammed. A strike on a residential building in Dolynska wounded a mother and her children, further escalating the humanitarian crisis.

Despite the diplomatic efforts, the future of peace in Ukraine remains uncertain, with global leaders and allies anxiously watching for any breakthrough.