Rubio and Russia meet over Ukraine, no deal likely

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U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov convened for crucial discussions about the Ukraine conflict, with Russia establishing a firm negotiating stance before the meeting even began.

The high-level meeting, taking place at Riyadh’s Al Diriyah Palace, brought together Rubio, accompanied by Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, facing Lavrov and Putin’s advisor Yuri Ushakov. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud served as mediator for these discussions, marking the first senior-level engagement between the two nations since Russia’s second Ukraine invasion nearly three years ago.

Rather than directly addressing the Ukraine conflict, the talks aim to establish groundwork for a future summit between the American and Russian presidents. This was emphasized by Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who stated the primary objective was “restoring the whole complex of Russian-American relations” and arranging a leadership meeting.

Lavrov and Rubio agreed: – Create a consultation mechanism to overcome "irritants" in US-Russia relations#RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/bqN5KdbXxy

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— Colonial Savage 🇿🇦 (@capesocialist) February 18, 2025

The exclusion of European nations and Ukraine from the talks has sparked concern among allies. Ukraine has stated it won’t comply with any agreement made without its participation, while European leaders conducted their own “emergency” meeting Monday to address what they termed “the challenges posed by Trump.”

Lavrov, Russia’s veteran foreign minister of two decades, made his position clear during his journey to Saudi Arabia, indicating Russia would not concede any territory. He also dismissed European participation in peace talks, stating: “The European philosophy hasn’t gone anywhere so I don’t know what they should do at the negotiating table. If they are going to weasel out some cunning ideas about freezing the conflict — while actually intending, as is their custom, nature, and habit — to continue the war then why should we invite them at all?”

Rubio lands in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia but Zelensky said he is not invited pic.twitter.com/LLyhntfYjw

— Simo Saadi🇺🇸🇲🇦🇵🇸 (@Simo7809957085) February 17, 2025

Both Russia and Ukraine share apprehensions about potential ceasefire exploitation. Russia fears Ukraine might use a peace agreement to rearm, while Ukraine seeks permanent cessation of hostilities with guarantees against future Russian aggression.

Lavrov introduced additional negotiating points, demanding Western accountability for supporting Ukraine’s government, which Russia officially labels a “Nazi regime.” He alleged Ukraine committed atrocities “worse than Hitler’s murderers” during its defensive operations, while Ukraine maintains its own accusations of Russian war crimes.

As negotiations proceed, time will reveal which positions represent genuine concerns and which serve as strategic negotiating tactics.