In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as a follow-up to President Donald Trump’s recent discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 12. The meeting, facilitated under the auspices of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, marked a renewed effort to address geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing war in Ukraine.
A High-Level Diplomatic Initiative
Secretary Rubio was joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Ambassador Steve Witkoff, key figures in President Trump’s diplomatic team aimed at reshaping U.S.-Russia relations. Foreign Minister Lavrov was accompanied by Yuri Ushakov, Aide to the Russian President, signaling Moscow’s willingness to engage in dialogue.
The discussions centered on finding a path toward peace in Ukraine, restoring bilateral diplomatic relations, and exploring economic cooperation. Emphasizing a shared commitment to de-escalation, the delegations agreed on several key initiatives:
Key Agreements Reached
- Restoring Diplomatic Channels – Both sides committed to establishing a consultation mechanism to resolve diplomatic tensions and normalize the operation of respective embassies and consulates.
- Ukraine Peace Process – U.S. and Russian representatives will form high-level negotiation teams to work on a sustainable peace agreement acceptable to all parties involved, with an emphasis on ensuring security and stability in the region.
- Economic and Strategic Cooperation – The delegations explored potential areas of future economic collaboration and investment opportunities, contingent upon progress toward peace in Ukraine.
- Commitment to Continued Dialogue – Both parties pledged to remain actively engaged and ensure the peace process progresses in a timely and constructive manner.
A Step Toward Lasting Peace
Speaking after the meeting, Secretary Rubio underscored the United States’ commitment to ending the bloodshed and emphasized that diplomacy must be backed by meaningful actions. He reiterated President Trump’s belief that the U.S. is uniquely positioned to bring Ukraine and Russia to the negotiating table.
“One phone call or one meeting is not enough to establish lasting peace,” Rubio stated. “We have taken an important step forward, but much work remains.”
The meeting took place with the diplomatic support of Saudi Arabia, which has played a key role in fostering dialogue between global powers. The Kingdom’s leadership, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was acknowledged for its role in hosting and facilitating the discussions.
While the road to peace in Ukraine remains complex, this diplomatic breakthrough represents a shift toward negotiation rather than prolonged conflict. With ongoing efforts from Washington and Moscow, the world watches to see if this initiative will pave the way for a historic resolution to one of the most pressing international crises.