U.S. and Russian officials to discuss Ukraine war in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's involvement

Top Russian and U.S. officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war. This is the first significant meeting since Russia's invasion nearly three years ago. The talks will be bilateral, excluding Ukrainian representatives. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials will engage with Russian diplomats. Concerns have arisen in Kyiv and among allies about potential agreements made without their involvement. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any outcome without Ukraine's participation would be unacceptable. Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key diplomatic player. The talks align with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's goal to enhance the kingdom's international influence. The meeting is seen as a step toward improving U.S.-Russia relations.