AbdulQadir7
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Talks in Saudi Arabia between American and Russian officials Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov characterized the negotiations as "valuable useful". The four hour meeting which both delegations described as "positive" and a "first step" aimed to improve relations between the two countries and begin discussions on the war in Ukraine.
Key outcomes and perspectives from the meeting:
Agreement to "normalize" relations: Both the US and Russia agreed to establish a "consultation mechanism" to address issues in their bilateral relationship with the goal of normalizing operations at their respective diplomatic missions. This includes reinstating personnel at embassies in each other's capitals which have faced reductions due to diplomatic expulsions.
Initial Steps: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the meeting as "the first step of a long and difficult journey". He pointed out that concessions should be made on both sides but avoided predetermining what those concessions should be. Rubio also stated that Ukraine and Europe need to be included in future talks.
Russian Perspective: Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov called the talks "not bad" and a "very serious discussion". He said that Moscow and Washington had agreed to consider each other’s interests. Ushakov added that it was too early to say if Russia and the US were moving closer. Russian delegation also signaled that normalizing the relations with Washington was a priority.
Potential Trump-Putin Meeting: There were reports that a meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin could take place as soon as next week contingent on sufficient progress in the negotiations. But Ushakov later clarified that a specific date was difficult to confirm and a meeting next week was unlikely.
American Priorities: National Security Advisor Mike Waltz insisted there should be an "end" to Russia's war in Ukraine. He also suggested that Ukraine should collaborate with the US to share its mineral resources, including rare earth elements as well as its oil and gas and that the U.S. is entitled to "some form of compensation" for the substantial financial support it has provided to Ukraine.
Despite the described progress the meeting occurred without Ukrainian participation raising concerns about the potential for agreements unfavorable to Kyiv. The meeting has prompted some to suggest that Trump is granting Putin a victory simply by holding the meeting. Additionally the warming of relations between the U.S. and Russia may come at the cost of the transatlantic partnership between the US and Europe potentially undermining Washington's credibility with Ukraine and other nations that rely.
