The US President Donald Trump’s decision to pursue direct talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies and Ukrainian officials. Trump has sent US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff to Saudi Arabia for negotiations with Russian counterparts, excluding Ukrainian and European representation.
However, Rubio insists that Ukraine and Europe will be involved in any actual negotiations and that the talks in Riyadh are just in the early stages. Trump also mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would be involved, without providing further details.
The move comes after comments from top Trump advisers prompted fears that Europe may be left out of the conversation. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has stated that the old relationship between Europe and America is changing and that Europe needs to adapt accordingly.
White House officials have reassured that Europe has not been excluded from discussions, with Trump speaking to French President Emmanuel Macron and planning to consult with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Starmer has announced that the UK is prepared to deploy troops to Ukraine to ensure its security as part of a peace deal and is set to visit Trump in Washington. Rubio has emphasized the need for a cautious approach in re-engaging with Moscow following the Biden administration’s stance on Russia.
While it is unclear if any Ukrainians will participate in the upcoming talks in Riyadh, a Ukrainian delegation is laying the groundwork for a possible visit by Zelenskyy. Zelenskyy, who is currently in the United Arab Emirates, has not confirmed his attendance at the talks in Riyadh.
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