U.S. and Russia to Hold More Ukraine War Talks Without Kyiv

The U.S. and Russia will hold more talks on ending the war in Ukraine, despite Kyiv’s exclusion and European concerns over U.S. concessions to Moscow. Russia hardened its stance, demanding NATO formally withdraw its 2008 pledge to admit Ukraine.

🔹 U.S.-Russia Talks Move Forward Without Ukraine

The meeting in Riyadh brought together U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov for 4.5 hours of talks, marking the first direct U.S.-Russia negotiations on the war.

🔹 Russia Hardens Stance on NATO and Peacekeeping Forces

"A refusal to accept Kyiv into NATO is not enough. The alliance must formally disavow its 2008 Bucharest pledge."
– Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry

Moscow also rejected any form of NATO peacekeeping presence in Ukraine, even under alternative banners such as the European Union.

"This is unacceptable to us."
– Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister

🔹 European Leaders Express Concern Over U.S. Approach

Ukraine and European leaders fear that Trump’s administration may strike a quick deal with Russia at Ukraine’s expense.

"There must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine."
– Olaf Scholz, German Chancellor

"February 2025 shows us that the Americans no longer feel responsible for European security – and that their interests are fundamentally different from ours."
– Jana Puglierin, European Council on Foreign Relations

🔹 Trump-Putin Meeting on the Horizon?

Both Trump and Putin have expressed interest in a direct meeting, but no date has been set. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow will continue.

"There is high interest in lifting economic barriers," Lavrov said, referring to Western sanctions on Russia.

However, U.S. officials remain cautious, with Rubio stating:

"The European Union will have to be at the table, because they have sanctions as well."

🔹 What Comes Next?

With Ukraine excluded from initial discussions, questions remain over how negotiations will unfold. The U.S. shift in diplomacy raises concerns about the future of NATO, European security, and Ukraine’s territorial sovereignty.

Tags

Ukraine Russia War USA Politics