MUNICH/WASHINGTON: Senior officials from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump are set to engage in peace discussions with Russian and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia in the coming days, according to a U.S. lawmaker and a source familiar with the planning.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and White House Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff are expected to travel to Saudi Arabia for the talks, U.S. Representative Michael McCaul told Reuters at the Munich Security Conference.
A source with direct knowledge of the arrangements confirmed the discussions. The conflict, which began in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, has left Moscow in control of approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Russia has insisted that Ukraine relinquish these areas and adopt a neutral stance as part of any peace agreement, while Ukraine has called for a complete withdrawal of Russian forces and seeks NATO membership or similar security assurances to prevent future aggression.
On Saturday, Rubio held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to discuss the ongoing war. Both sides acknowledged the need for continued dialogue, with Russia’s Foreign Ministry stating that they agreed to maintain contact in preparation for a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump.
McCaul, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had been invited to take part in the Saudi-hosted talks. He described the discussions as a step toward arranging a high-level summit involving Trump, Putin, and Zelensky to negotiate an end to the war.
However, when asked about the proposed meeting, Zelensky—who was in Germany for the Munich Security Conference—expressed uncertainty. “Perhaps there is something being discussed, but nothing has been placed on our table. I have not received any invitations for Ukraine to engage in talks with other envoys,” he told reporters.
Zelensky questioned the idea of holding discussions with U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that Ukraine should first coordinate with its strategic allies. “To my knowledge, Russia is not one of our strategic partners,” he remarked.
The Ukrainian leader previously announced plans to visit the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey but did not specify dates or confirm any meetings with U.S. or Russian officials during those trips. He has repeatedly asserted that Ukraine would reject any peace agreement negotiated without its direct involvement.
Ukraine has insisted on working closely with the United States and European allies to establish a unified strategy before any Trump-Putin negotiations take place.
Trump’s recent outreach to Putin, including indications that he might make concessions on key Ukrainian demands, has raised concerns in both Kyiv and among NATO allies in Europe. European leaders have taken a firm stance, arguing that no agreement could be successfully implemented without the involvement of both Ukraine and its allies in the negotiations.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump assured that Ukraine would have representation in any discussions regarding a peace deal with Russia. Meanwhile, negotiations over a critical minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. are ongoing. Zelensky has expressed concerns that Washington’s current proposal lacks necessary security provisions.
According to three sources, the U.S. has suggested taking ownership of 50% of Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, a proposal that remains under discussion.
