Senior officials from the US administration are set to meet top Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to initiate peace talks on Ukraine, according to a report by CNN on Saturday. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to represent the US in the discussions, which will involve senior Russian officials. A source cited in the report said the meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming days. The move follows a phone call between former US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, during which both leaders reportedly agreed to "immediately" begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for three years. Trump also spoke separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. European leaders have expressed strong concerns over being excluded from the talks and have insisted on being part of any negotiations concerning Ukraine's future. However, Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, stated that Europe would not have a seat at the negotiating table. Saudi Arabia has commended the phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12, 2025, which included discussions on the potential for a high-level summit in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom expressed its readiness to host the summit, reaffirming its continued efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine. — Agencies
