US and Russia hold talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine conflict

US and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss ending the Ukraine war, with no Ukrainian representatives present. This follows a recent phone call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting aims to assess Russia's commitment to negotiations and prepare for a potential summit between the two leaders. Key US officials, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, participated alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Trump's recent shift in US policy marks a departure from previous stances, including support for Ukraine's territorial integrity and NATO ambitions. This is the first direct engagement between the US and Russia since the invasion began in February 2022.