A high-level U.S. delegation, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, concluded a significant round of discussions with Russian officials in Riyadh. The talks, facilitated by Saudi Arabia, mark the first formal diplomatic engagement between the two nations in over three years and seek to establish a framework for ending the war in Ukraine.
Key Agreements from the Talks
Following the discussions, Secretary Rubio outlined four key principles agreed upon by both parties:
- Restoration of Diplomatic Missions – The U.S. and Russia will work swiftly to reestablish normal operations at their embassies in Washington and Moscow, ensuring diplomatic channels remain functional.
- Negotiation Team Formation – A high-level delegation will be appointed to work through the complex process of bringing an enduring end to the conflict in Ukraine.
- Geopolitical and Economic Cooperation – Both sides will begin exploring potential diplomatic and economic collaborations that could emerge once peace is secured.
- Continued High-Level Engagement – The senior officials present in Riyadh will remain directly involved in overseeing the progress of these negotiations.
Defining a Sustainable Peace
When asked about the vision for a lasting peace, Waltz emphasized the need for a comprehensive resolution, stating, “This needs to be a permanent end to the war, not a temporary pause. Discussions on territory and security guarantees will be fundamental to the process.”
Waltz also highlighted former President Donald Trump’s commitment to ending the conflict, stating, “Only President Trump has the influence to bring both sides together. He has already shifted the global conversation from whether the war will end to how it will end.”
Territorial Concessions and Russian Commitments
Regarding the contentious issue of territorial control, Waltz acknowledged that negotiations would need to address this but stopped short of confirming any predetermined outcomes. “The important thing is that we have started this process. It will require difficult diplomacy, but today’s meeting was a critical first step.”
Rubio reiterated that no preconditions had been set for Russian concessions, emphasizing, “Diplomacy is built on actions and commitments. The fact that these discussions have begun signals an opportunity for progress.”
Sanctions and International Participation
The topic of sanctions was brought up during the meeting, with both sides acknowledging that economic restrictions imposed due to the war would need to be addressed in future discussions. “Sanctions relief will naturally be part of the broader negotiations,” Rubio noted, adding that European allies, who have also imposed sanctions, would need to be involved in these discussions.
Addressing Concerns from European Allies and Ukraine
Responding to concerns from European leaders and Ukraine about being sidelined in the negotiations, Rubio reassured that all parties would be engaged in the peace process. “This is a global effort, and while the U.S. is leading this initiative, we are consulting with our allies. President Trump personally spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron within hours of his discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin.”
Waltz emphasized the importance of European defense commitments, stating, “Our NATO allies must continue to contribute their fair share to our collective security. The upcoming NATO summit in June will be a critical opportunity to reinforce these commitments.”
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Mediation
The U.S. delegation expressed deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s role in facilitating the discussions. Rubio thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his team for their swift coordination and diplomatic support. While the Kingdom has not formally committed to an ongoing mediation role, officials have expressed their willingness to assist in the peace process.
Next Steps in the Negotiations
As discussions move forward, the U.S. has outlined a multi-track approach:
- Diplomatic Channels – Immediate efforts will focus on restoring full operational capacity to the respective embassies in Washington and Moscow.
- Conflict Resolution Talks – High-level diplomatic teams will engage in intensive discussions on defining the parameters for ending the war.
- Future Cooperation – Economic and geopolitical opportunities will be explored, contingent on the successful resolution of the conflict.
While no firm date has been set for the next round of talks, Rubio emphasized that President Trump is pushing for rapid progress. “He is committed to fulfilling his campaign promise to end this war, and he will drive this process forward with urgency.”
A Measured but Optimistic Outlook
The discussions in Riyadh represent a crucial first step toward de-escalation. While significant challenges remain, both sides have signaled a willingness to engage in substantive diplomacy. The coming weeks will test the durability of this commitment as negotiations continue toward a potential resolution to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history.