Following Ukrainian President Zelensky’s public criticism of President Trump, Vice President Vance warned against this approach, arguing that it would be counterproductive. Vance emphasized the administration’s desire for a swift resolution to the war, a policy he attributed to Trump’s geopolitical expertise, not Russian disinformation. This exchange highlights a significant deterioration in U.S.-Ukraine relations, fueled by Trump’s recent push for peace talks with Russia and Zelensky’s concern over being excluded from any potential agreement. Trump, meanwhile, responded with his own criticism of Zelensky on social media. The situation reflects a complex and tense geopolitical dynamic.
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EU Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis urged the EU to assume greater autonomy in its sanctions policy against Russia, anticipating potential shifts in U.S. priorities. This call comes amidst ongoing work on a 16th sanctions package and hints from U.S. Secretary of State Rubio suggesting future EU involvement in sanctions relief discussions with Russia. The G7 previously linked further sanctions to peace negotiations. The EU’s 15th package, approved in December, targeted numerous individuals and entities involved in facilitating Russia’s war effort.
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Following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia would not accept NATO peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement. The US and Russia agreed to establish negotiating teams to pursue an end to the war, marking a first step in what is expected to be a lengthy process. This meeting, the first face-to-face encounter between Russian and American delegations since the invasion, also saw agreements to restore diplomatic relations and increase cooperation. However, Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks prompted criticism and varied responses from European leaders regarding potential troop deployments.
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In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, high-level U.S. and Russian officials met to discuss improving bilateral relations and ending the war in Ukraine. The talks, led by Secretary of State Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov, focused on establishing a consultation mechanism and high-level teams to develop a path towards a sustainable peace in Ukraine. Although Ukraine was not initially included, U.S. officials asserted that Ukraine and its European allies would be consulted and involved in future negotiations. The discussions also included explorations of economic cooperation and investment opportunities as part of a potential resolution.
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia sought Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s inclusion in US-Russia talks held in Riyadh on February 18th. However, both the US and Russian delegations refused this, preferring a bilateral meeting. Subsequently, Zelenskyy postponed his planned Saudi Arabia visit, citing the exclusion as a surprise. Following the meeting, the US and Russia reported progress on addressing obstacles to bilateral relations and establishing high-level negotiating groups on the Ukraine conflict.
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Despite President Trump’s claims of progress, U.S. and allied intelligence indicates that Vladimir Putin continues to aim for complete control of Ukraine, believing he can outwait Ukraine and Europe. Ongoing negotiations, while presenting a potential opening, are viewed skeptically; officials believe Putin may seek a ceasefire to regroup rather than a genuine peace. Putin’s maximalist goals remain unchanged, fueled by perceived U.S. concessions regarding NATO membership for Ukraine, raising concerns within the Ukrainian government about being excluded from meaningful negotiations.
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Following 4.5 hours of talks in Riyadh, U.S. and Russian officials agreed to establish a consultation mechanism to improve bilateral relations and to appoint high-level teams tasked with finding a lasting resolution to the Ukraine conflict. The agreement aims to create a sustainable peace acceptable to all parties, paving the way for future cooperation on mutual geopolitical interests. This initiative follows a recent phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin and represents a significant step towards de-escalation. The U.S. hopes to utilize its global influence to achieve a comprehensive end to the violence.
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Following talks in Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that ending the war in Ukraine necessitates concessions from all parties. The U.S. and Russia agreed to restore embassy staffing, establish a peace negotiation team, and increase economic cooperation, marking a thaw in relations. However, the meeting, which excluded Ukrainian officials, prompted concerns from Kyiv and European allies about a potential deal detrimental to their interests. Subsequently, European leaders convened to coordinate their response and emphasized the need for a U.S. security guarantee to deter future Russian aggression.
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U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine, marking the first high-level meeting since the invasion began. While Russian officials described the discussions as “serious,” no significant breakthroughs were announced, with disagreements remaining on core issues. Ukraine’s exclusion from these talks sparked concern among European leaders and President Zelenskyy, who reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to accept any peace deal negotiated without its involvement. Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov ruled out territorial concessions to Ukraine.
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In a recent interview, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the United States for its conciliatory approach towards Russia, accusing it of prioritizing a swift resolution over Ukrainian interests. He rejected any peace deal involving territorial concessions to Russia, emphasizing Ukraine’s determination to reclaim all seized lands. Zelensky further highlighted Europe’s military weakness, expressing concern about its reliance on the US for security. His statements come amidst ongoing discussions among European leaders regarding the conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker