In a major diplomatic development, US and Russian officials are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to jumpstart negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year war in Ukraine. The high-level talks, which will notably exclude Ukrainian representatives, mark a significant shift in the US approach and are already stoking divisions within the Western alliance.
The US delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and include National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Their goal is to lay the groundwork for a potential leaders’ summit between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin later this month. The direct US-Russia engagement has raised alarm bells in European capitals, where leaders fear being sidelined in shaping the post-war security architecture.
Europe Scrambles to Avoid Exclusion
As news of the Saudi meeting broke, French President Emmanuel Macron urgently sought to convene European leaders, including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, to coordinate a unified response. The Europeans are determined to have a seat at the negotiating table and a voice in deciding Ukraine’s future relationship with NATO as well as any security guarantees.
Trump’s special Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg bluntly stated that while Europe will be consulted, they will ultimately be excluded from the core US-Russia-Ukraine talks. His message to European allies was to contribute concrete ideas and ramp up defense spending if they want to stay relevant. The frank comments underscored the growing rift between Washington and its traditional partners.
Zelenskyy Stands Firm on NATO and Sovereignty
For his part, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made clear that NATO membership remains a priority and that no decisions on ending the war can be made without both Kyiv and Europe at the table. He also called for the creation of a dedicated European army, arguing that Ukraine’s forces alone are no longer sufficient and that the days of unwavering US support are over.
“There’s no way in which we can have discussions or negotiations about Ukraine, Ukraine’s future or European security structure, without Europeans”
– Finnish President Alexander Stubb
Diplomatic Maneuvering and Competing Visions
As the key players jockey for position, a flurry of bilateral meetings and consultations are taking place on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference:
- Ukraine-China talks focused on protecting territorial integrity
- UK encouraging deeper US-Ukraine partnership as the best security guarantee
- Germany warning against decoupling European and American security
The various discussions revealed competing visions for Ukraine’s future and underscored the high stakes for all parties. The outcome could reshape the balance of power and alliances in Europe for years to come.
Controversial US Proposal for Ukraine’s Resources
Adding another wrinkle, reports emerged of a US proposal to claim 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as a form of repayment for billions in weapons and aid. The unorthodox suggestion would give Washington a long-term strategic and economic foothold in the country. President Zelenskyy rejected the current deal’s terms as not being in Ukraine’s sovereign interests or providing necessary security provisions.
As the complex web of diplomacy unfolds, the war in Ukraine has reached a pivotal juncture. The US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia could pave the way to an elusive peace deal, but the process is fraught with geopolitical landmines. With Europe determined to defend its role and interests, and Ukraine unwilling to sacrifice its sovereignty or Euro-Atlantic aspirations, the negotiations ahead will severely test the unity and resolve of the Western alliance. The world will be closely watching the upcoming developments for signs of a breakthrough or a breakdown in what has become a defining conflict of our time.
