RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — In a pivotal diplomatic maneuver, top officials from the United States and Russia convened in Riyadh on Tuesday to address escalating tensions and explore pathways to peace in Ukraine. This unprecedented meeting, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, marks a significant shift in American foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

The talks, aimed at thawing the frosty U.S.-Russian relations, also set the stage for a potential summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, notable by their absence were Ukrainian officials, underscoring concerns among European allies and Kyiv about being sidelined in discussions critical to their security and future.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the agenda primarily focuses on "restoring the entire range of U.S.-Russian relations" and laying groundwork for broader negotiations, including Ukrainian peace talks and a presidential summit.

• No Ukrainian representatives were present, prompting backlash from Kyiv and European leaders.
• The meeting signals a departure from previous U.S. policy under Joe Biden, emphasizing direct engagement over isolation.
• French President Emmanuel Macron voiced support for a peaceful resolution and stressed the importance of European involvement in any future negotiations.
• Saudi Arabia's hosting of the talks highlights Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's diplomatic ambitions amid regional and global tensions.

 As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the Riyadh meeting represents a critical juncture in international diplomacy, with implications far beyond immediate peace negotiations. The world watches closely as major powers navigate a complex geopolitical landscape.