Rubio seeks to improve U.S.-Russia relations to end Ukraine war

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to improve diplomatic relations and seek an end to the war in Ukraine. He emphasized reopening embassies in Washington and Moscow as a first step. Rubio outlined plans for a high-level team to negotiate peace and mentioned expanding U.S.-Russia relations. He did not specify when sanctions on Russia might be lifted, noting that the European Union must also be involved in discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy canceled a trip to Saudi Arabia, expressing concerns over the U.S.-Russia talks occurring without Ukrainian representation. He insists that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations regarding its future.