The United States, Russia, and Ukraine have all sent delegations to Saudi Arabia, fueling speculation about potential negotiations between Washington and Moscow to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. This development comes at a time of heightened anticipation, with many wondering if a breakthrough might be on the horizon.
US Delegation to Meet with Russian Officials
Steve Witkoff, the US Special Envoy for the Middle East, confirmed on Sunday that an American delegation would travel to Saudi Arabia to meet with Russian officials. The goal, according to Witkoff, is to explore possible exits to the conflict. The US delegation, which includes National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, is set to arrive in Saudi Arabia soon. “We will start tonight,” Witkoff said in an interview with Fox, “I will travel with the national security advisor and hold meetings on behalf of the president. We hope to achieve significant advances in relation to Russia and Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Delegation Already in Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, a Ukrainian delegation has already arrived in Saudi Arabia, led by Yulia Svyrydenko, the Minister of Economy and Vice Prime Minister. The objective of their trip, according to Svyrydenko, is to strengthen economic ties with Saudi Arabia and prepare for a potential visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, it remains unclear whether the Ukrainian delegation will participate in the conversations between the US and Russia. In a recent interview, Zelenskyy emphasized that “no world leader” can reach an agreement on Ukraine without his participation, and he expressed skepticism about Russian President Putin’s willingness to negotiate in good faith, stating, “He is a liar. He does not want peace.”
Russian Delegation and Potential Negotiations
Details about the Russian delegation are still scarce, but according to CNN, it may include high-ranking officials such as Kirill Dmitriev, who played a key role in the recent prisoner exchange between the US and Russia. The possibility of negotiations between the US and Russia has generated concern in both Ukraine and Europe, with many leaders emphasizing the need for a unified position before any talks with Putin. As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on Saudi Arabia, where the fate of Ukraine and the future of global geopolitics may be shaped in the coming days. The European Union, the United Kingdom, the European Commission, and NATO are set to meet on Monday to define their strategy, adding to the sense of urgency and anticipation surrounding these potential negotiations.
