U.S.-Russia Talks on Ukraine: First Deal Results Announced, But No Breakthrough

The first direct talks between Russia and the United States since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine nearly three years ago have concluded with both parties expressing satisfaction. However, despite the constructive dialogue, neither side has made significant progress toward achieving peace in Europe.

Constructive Dialogue but No Breakthrough

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov characterized the discussions as “very useful” during a press conference in Riyadh, where the high-level meeting took place. According to Lavrov, both nations engaged in open dialogue and agreed on the necessity of fostering conditions for renewed and expanded cooperation between Russia and the United States. This meeting marked the first of its kind since the war began on February 24, 2022.

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East under former President Trump, echoed similar sentiments. After three hours of negotiations, Witkoff described the meeting as “positive, optimistic, and constructive.” He further stated, “Everyone was there to get the right result. Solution-oriented. We discussed it afterward – we couldn’t have imagined a better result after that meeting. It was very, very solid.”

Foundations for Future Cooperation

The U.S. State Department officially noted that the discussions had “laid the foundation for future cooperation on issues of mutual geopolitical interest.” Officials emphasized that these talks could contribute to “a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine.”

Trump special envoy Steve Witkoff (67, left) next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio (53)

Putin’s adviser Yuri Ushakov, who was also present at the meeting, underscored Russia’s stance on the war, emphasizing the need to address the root causes of the conflict. This statement has reinforced the concerns of many analysts that Putin’s primary goal is not necessarily about Ukraine itself, but rather about diminishing the role of the United States as Europe’s protective power.

Europe’s Role in Future Talks

One major point of contention during the talks was the role of Europe in future negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged that “the EU will have to be at the table at some point” to ensure a resolution that is “just, lasting, sustainable, and acceptable for all parties involved.”

In contrast, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov took a different stance, stating that “if Europe wants to contribute to peace in Ukraine, it must stop supplying weapons to Kyiv.” This is a demand that the European Union is unlikely to comply with, as EU leaders have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine militarily.

Conclusion

While the meeting in Riyadh has opened a new chapter in diplomatic discussions between Russia and the United States, a definitive path toward peace remains elusive. The conflicting perspectives on Europe’s role and the underlying motives of Russia’s strategy suggest that substantial challenges lie ahead. However, the establishment of dialogue and cooperation could be a step in the right direction for future negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.

source:https://www.bild.de/