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

Senior U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving relations and negotiating an end to the Ukraine war. This is the first significant meeting since Russia's invasion nearly three years ago. The talks will not include Ukrainian officials, raising concerns in Kyiv and among European allies. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that any agreement without Ukraine's participation would not be accepted. U.S. officials have indicated a shift in policy, moving away from isolating Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that Moscow will not consider ceding any territory gained during the conflict.