U.S. and Russian officials concluded more than four hours of talks in Riyadh on Tuesday in their first high-level discussion aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting, closely watched by Kyiv and its European allies, saw Moscow introduce a significant new demand.
Russian negotiator Yuri Ushakov told Interfax that the talks went well and included discussions on conditions for a future meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Ushakov noted that a summit was unlikely to take place as early as next week.
During the session, Russia signalled a hardening of its position. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated from Moscow that preventing Ukraine’s NATO membership is not sufficient. “It is not enough for NATO not to admit Ukraine as a member,” she said, insisting that the alliance must also disavow its 2008 promise at the Bucharest summit that Kyiv would eventually join NATO. Zakharova warned that failing to address this issue could continue to “poison the atmosphere on the European continent.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has consistently argued that NATO membership is essential to secure Kyiv's sovereignty and independence. Meanwhile, European leaders expressed concern that a rushed deal between the United States and Russia might ignore Ukraine’s security interests, reward Russia for its military actions, and leave Moscow with greater leverage in the region.
Critics have pointed out that President Trump’s team appears to have already ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine and questioned the feasibility of Kyiv regaining all of its lost territory. U.S. officials, however, maintain that their position is a realistic acknowledgment of current circumstances.
As talks continue to evolve, Ukrainian officials have reiterated that no agreement can be reached on their behalf without Ukraine’s direct involvement. The international community now awaits further developments as diplomatic efforts to halt the conflict advance.
11 countries pledged to fully enforce UN sanctions on North Korea after the first MSMT meeting. The group, formed after Russia’s veto, aims to track violations and enforcement. Nations reaffirmed their commitment to security while keeping the door open for dialogue.
Taiwan is reportedly in talks to buy $7-10 billion in U.S. weaponry, including missiles and HIMARS, to bolster its defences amid rising Chinese military pressure. The move could further strain U.S.-China ties, as Beijing opposes foreign arms sales to Taiwan.
Beijing, Feb 17 (Reuters) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with some of the country’s most prominent technology leaders on Monday, urging them to embrace innovation and reaffirming Beijing’s support for private enterprise.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Friday that the European Union may face tariffs if the bloc does not cut its growing deficit with the United States by making large oil and gas trades with the world's largest economy.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment