Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – In a dramatic diplomatic move, top officials from the United States and Russia have gathered at the historic Diriyah Palace to discuss a potential end to the devastating war in Ukraine. The high-stakes meeting, held behind closed doors, is the most significant direct dialogue between Washington and Moscow since the war began in February 2022. However, the exclusion of Ukraine and European nations has raised serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of any potential agreement.

A Meeting Cloaked in Secrecy

The meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, was attended by key figures from both sides. The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. On the Russian side, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Kremlin foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov, and Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, were present.

While details remain scarce, sources close to the negotiations suggest that three main objectives were discussed:

1. Restoring Diplomatic Channels – Both sides reportedly agreed to work toward reopening and restaffing embassies that had been closed or reduced in recent years due to rising tensions.
2. Laying the Groundwork for Peace Talks – A proposal was made to create a negotiation team that could work on potential peace settlements.
3. Future Cooperation Beyond the War – Discussions extended to possible economic and geopolitical cooperation if a resolution is reached.

Ukrainian Leaders Express Betrayal

The exclusion of Ukraine from these talks has sparked outrage in Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking from Ankara, Turkey, expressed his frustration:

“How can there be discussions about our country’s fate without us at the table? Any deal that does not involve Ukraine is not a deal for peace—it is a deal for submission.”

His comments reflect a broader sentiment among Ukrainians, who fear that negotiations without their direct involvement could lead to a compromise that favors Russian interests at their expense.

European Leaders Demand a Seat at the Table

The secrecy of the talks has also alarmed European leaders, who have been some of Ukraine’s strongest allies. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron both released statements criticizing the exclusion of European representatives. A senior EU official, speaking anonymously, said:

“Europe has been on the frontlines of this crisis. We have provided aid, support, and military assistance. For the U.S. to engage Russia in discussions without us is deeply concerning.”

What Comes Next?

While both U.S. and Russian officials described the talks as “constructive,” no immediate agreements were reached. However, diplomatic insiders suggest that this meeting could be the first of many.

For now, the world watches with bated breath. Will these talks pave the way for peace, or will they deepen divisions and mistrust? Only time will tell.