Russia and US Aim to End Ukraine War in a Diplomatic Shift
Senior US and Russian officials met without Ukrainian participation to discuss ending the Ukraine war, a move that drew sharp criticism from Kyiv and its allies. President Trump decried Ukraine’s approach, insisting that the conflict should have been resolved long ago.
Published on April 3, 2025
On February 18, 2025, senior officials from both sides met in Riyadh—US figures including Marco Rubio, Michael Waltz, and special envoy Steven Witkoff joined Russian representatives such as Foreign Minister Lavrov and Vladimir Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov. Notably, Ukrainian officials were excluded, a decision that fueled criticism from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European allies concerned about being sidelined.
During the subsequent press conference, President Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction over Ukraine’s absence, arguing that the conflict should have been resolved years ago. This high-stakes meeting is part of a broader effort—which includes discussions on embassy staffing and economic cooperation—to revive diplomatic channels. Supplemental contacts, including potential visits by senior Russian figures to Washington, hint at further steps aimed at forging a lasting peace even as tensions remain high.