US and Russia begin high-level talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine conflict

U.S. and Russian officials are set to begin talks in Saudi Arabia regarding Ukraine, marking the first high-level discussions in three years. The talks will focus on the ongoing war in Ukraine, but Ukraine itself is not participating. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov confirmed the meeting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not recognize any agreements made without its involvement. The discussions follow recent diplomatic activities, including a meeting of European leaders and comments from U.S. officials about potential terms for peace. Zelenskyy is also in the Middle East, seeking support and information about the U.S.-Russia talks.