Russian officials declare NATO membership a red line in Saudi peace talks with U.S

Russian officials stated that Ukraine's potential NATO membership is a "red line" in ongoing peace talks with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia. They demand NATO formally renounce Ukraine's membership promises made in 2008. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the talks, emphasizing that Ukraine must be included in any negotiations. He expressed distrust in Russian President Vladimir Putin's intentions for peace. The absence of Ukrainian and European representatives at the talks highlights tensions, as some European leaders, like U.K. Prime Minister Kier Starmer, consider increasing military support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.