Why it matters:
Moscow is closely monitoring Washington’s proposals on resolving Ukraine while warning that if its security interests aren’t prioritized, Russia is ready to act independently. The discussions, involving top officials from both sides, also signal Russia’s firm stance against Ukraine’s NATO membership and any expanding European military role in the region.
Key points:
- High-level meetings lasted about 4.5 hours at a royal palace in Saudi Arabia's Al Diriyah, with Russia represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, and RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev, and the U.S. delegation including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Stephen Witkoff.
- Zakharova emphasized that Moscow is scrutinizing Washington’s statements and proposals regarding Ukraine, seeing them as indicative of a genuine effort to address the crisis.
- Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized the EU’s focus on a military solution, reaffirming that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unacceptable and dismissing any role for European forces in Ukraine.
- Grushko warned that neglecting Russia’s security interests would prompt independent actions, highlighting ongoing debates within NATO about strengthening forces in the Baltic region.
214/ 303
Mojtaba Darabi
