Rubio explained absence of Ukraine and Europe in Saudi Arabia: Meeting focused on US-Russia relations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the meeting in Saudi Arabia was focused exclusively on bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow, so Ukraine and European allies were not invited.
This is reported by the New York Times, Censor.NET informs.
According to the publication, Rubio, in a telephone conversation with European diplomats, denied fears of a change in US policy towards Russia.
According to him, the talks in Saudi Arabia were only the first step in assessing the Kremlin's readiness for dialogue. He also added that the United States does not plan to impose any conditions on Ukraine or Europe for possible agreements with Russia.
Rubio said that sanctions against Russia will not be lifted without real changes in the Kremlin's behaviour.
At the same time, the secretary of state admitted that Washington could agree to partially lift sanctions if Russia starts moving in the direction the White House wants.
Rubio also noted that the Kremlin is likely trying to weaken the West by dividing allies through negotiations. He stressed that if the dialogue with Russia yields positive results, it could be considered a signal of its readiness to end the war.
Meeting in Saudi Arabia
As a reminder, on February 12, 2025, Trump said that his meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin would likely take place in Saudi Arabia.
Trump also said that a meeting between representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia would take place in Saudi Arabia next week.
On February 14, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that the Kingdom was ready to host a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
On 18 February, delegations from the US and Russia met in Saudi Arabia.
Both sides described it as positive. The United States and Russia agreed to resume the full operation of the US embassies in Moscow and Russia in Washington. The key issue was to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Fox News reported that Russia and the United States are allegedly proposing a three-stage peace plan, including a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and then a final agreement.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Trump and Putin may hold a summit in Saudi Arabia next week.
