In a significant diplomatic encounter, delegations from the United States and Russia convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on February 18, 2025, to discuss pivotal issues related to the ongoing war in Ukraine and the broader context of U.S.-Russia relations. This meeting, marked by its length and depth, has been described as a crucial step towards potential peace and normalization of diplomatic ties.
The Meeting’s Framework
Led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the talks lasted over four hours, indicating the seriousness with which both sides approached the discussions. The presence of high-profile figures such as U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and from Russia, President Putin’s foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, underscored the importance of the agenda.
Key Points Discussed:
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Normalization of Diplomatic Relations: Both nations agreed to establish a consultation mechanism aimed at addressing “irritants” in their bilateral relationship. This includes the normalization of diplomatic missions in each other’s countries, suggesting a move towards re-establishing ambassadorial ties that have been strained.
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Peace in Ukraine: A focal point of the discussions was the establishment of “high-level teams” to begin working on a path to end the conflict in Ukraine. The agreement was for these teams to negotiate a peace that would be “enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides,” although the specifics of what this entails were left vague. The U.S. emphasized ending the war as soon as possible, while Russia stressed the need for a comprehensive security architecture in Europe.
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Ceasefire and Elections: Discussions included the notion of a ceasefire and the possibility of elections in Ukraine, potentially leading to a new government with which Russia could sign a final agreement. This point was particularly contentious, highlighting the differing visions for Ukraine’s future.
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Geopolitical and Economic Cooperation: Beyond Ukraine, both countries laid the groundwork for future cooperation on issues of mutual geopolitical interest, including economic and investment opportunities that could emerge from peace.
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Future Meetings: While no immediate date was set for a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the talks opened the door for further high-level engagements, with both sides expressing a commitment to keep the negotiation process moving forward.
Analysis and Implications
The meeting has been hailed as a “positive” step by both delegations, though skepticism remains about how these agreements will translate into action on the ground. For Ukraine, the exclusion from these talks has caused alarm, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voicing concerns over decisions being made without Ukrainian input. The European Union and NATO allies are also watching closely, wary of any deal that might not align with European security interests.
Public and Political Reactions
In the U.S., the meeting has sparked a debate about the implications for American foreign policy, with some seeing it as a pragmatic move towards peace and others viewing it as a concession to Russian demands. In Russia, the talks have been portrayed as a diplomatic victory, with state media focusing on the restoration of relations and the possibility of ending the conflict on terms favorable to Moscow.
The February 18 meeting between U.S. and Russian teams marks a potentially transformative moment in international relations, focusing not only on ending a specific conflict but also on resetting a relationship that has been fraught with tension. The real test will come in the execution of these agreements and whether this dialogue can lead to lasting peace in Ukraine and beyond.
