US and Russia hold high-level talks on Ukraine as concerns grow over potential peace deal risks

High-level talks between the US and Russia on Ukraine have begun, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meeting in Saudi Arabia. Ukraine and European nations were not included in these discussions. Former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague warned that a poor peace deal could lead to a larger conflict. He emphasized the risks of leaving both sides dissatisfied, which could encourage renewed fighting. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that any peace agreement must involve Ukraine. Meanwhile, Turkish President Erdogan expressed willingness to host future talks to resolve the ongoing conflict.