Russian and U.S. officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss ending the Ukraine war. Key representatives include Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Concerns have arisen regarding Ukraine’s absence from talks, with emphasis on Ukraine’s necessary involvement emphasized by Rubio. The Moscow Times highlights the ongoing threats to independent journalism in Russia and seeks reader support.
On Tuesday, discussions will take place in Saudi Arabia involving Russian and American officials, focusing on the resolution of the war in Ukraine, as reported by the Kommersant newspaper. The specific Russian representatives were not disclosed; however, it has been suggested that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov may attend.
During the course of the weekend, Foreign Minister Lavrov had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was anticipated to arrive in Saudi Arabia following a visit to Israel. Rubio is expected to be accompanied by White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Reports indicated that the delegations are preparing for a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump. Putin has reportedly assembled a high-level negotiating team, including senior officials such as Yury Ushakov and SVR chief Sergei Naryshkin.
Additionally, Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev is anticipated to participate in the talks, specifically to discuss enhancing economic relations between the U.S. and Russia. The initiative for talks was revived after Trump’s proposition of a meeting in Saudi Arabia following a call with Putin, with Riyadh expressing its willingness to host the summit.
There are apprehensions regarding the possibility that these U.S.-Russia talks may overlook the interests of Ukraine, as President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was present in Saudi Arabia, disclosed no intentions to meet with either American or Russian officials. Rubio emphasized the necessity of Ukrainian involvement in meaningful negotiations, stating that “if it’s real negotiations, Ukraine will have to be involved because they were the ones that were invaded.”
The Moscow Times highlights ongoing challenges faced by independent journalism amid rising governmental pressures in Russia, encouraging readers to support their efforts. They emphasize the importance of accurate and unbiased reporting and the need for financial support from readers to continue their work under oppressive circumstances.
The upcoming U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia aim to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with key figures such as Lavrov and Rubio expected to participate. Despite the potential for significant discussions, concerns regarding Ukraine’s exclusion from negotiations persist, as highlighted by statements from key officials. The ongoing advocacy for independent journalism is also underscored amidst the backdrop of governmental repression in Russia, emphasizing the need for support from the public.
Original Source: www.themoscowtimes.com
