USA and Russia set for crucial non‑negotiation talks in Riyadh
The USA and Russia have not yet agreed on a way to start negotiations regarding the war in Ukraine. The meeting in Riyadh is not the beginning of talks but merely a continuation of previous contacts, representatives of the countries assure.
As reported by Reuters, Vladimir Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, noted in an interview with Russian state television that the Russian delegation approaches talks with a "business-like" mindset.
The delegation, which will meet with U.S. representatives in Riyadh on Tuesday, may include Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund. His presence is intended to facilitate discussions on economic issues that may arise during the talks.
USA on "continuing the conversation"
Meanwhile, Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, explained that the meeting in Riyadh is a continuation of the phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. I don't think that people should view this as something that is about details or moving forward in some kind of a negotiation, said Bruce.
On Tuesday in Riyadh, for the first time since the start of the war in Ukraine, delegations from the USA and Russia will meet. The meeting is to address the restoration of bilateral relations and preparations for possible peace talks regarding Ukraine. The authorities of Ukraine and the European Union did not receive an invitation to participate in this meeting.
