High-Stakes Diplomacy: U.S. and Russia Talk Peace in Riyadh

U.S. and Russian officials met in Riyadh for talks on ending the war in Ukraine. Despite progress, Russia's hardened demands and NATO's stance on Ukraine's membership remain contentious. Ukrainian leaders express concern over potential U.S. concessions that may compromise their security and sovereignty.

In a bid to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine, U.S. and Russian officials convened in Riyadh for over four hours of high-stakes negotiations. The meeting marked the first official attempt to broker peace under President Donald Trump's administration, occurring amidst anxious anticipation from Kyiv and European allies.

Russian negotiator Yuri Ushakov reported productive talks, though he noted a presidential summit was unlikely to happen soon. Meanwhile, Russia intensified its demands, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declaring that NATO must retract its 2008 promise of future membership for Ukraine to ease continental tensions.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy persistently argues for NATO membership as essential for national security, fearing U.S. negotiations could undermine Ukraine's interests. Critics of Trump's approach highlight concerns over perceived preemptive concessions that could embolden Russian aggression if NATO ambitions for Ukraine are sidelined.

(With inputs from agencies.)