US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet with Russian officials next week, as part of efforts to begin peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine. A team led by Rubio, including national security adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, will discuss potential bilateral issues with Russia.
This meeting comes after President Trump’s phone calls with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy last week. While it is unclear if Ukrainian officials will be present in the Saudi Arabia meeting, Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to reaffirm US commitment to ending the conflict in Ukraine.
European officials have emphasized the need for Ukraine’s involvement in peace talks, while Zelenskyy has expressed concerns about security guarantees and NATO membership. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has cast doubt on Ukraine’s ability to return to its pre-2014 borders, suggesting that Russia may not accept a deal without significant concessions.
Trump previously said he would meet with Putin in Saudi Arabia, but the exact timing is unclear. The meeting comes amid efforts to build trust between the US and Russia, including the release of an American teacher from a Russian prison after three-and-a-half years.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/marcio-rubio-mike-waltz-steve-witkoff-russia-meeting-ukraine-peace-negotiations