U.S., Russia Talk Steps to Stop Ukraine War

The United States and Russia said on Tuesday they had agreed to press ahead with efforts to end the war in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties after holding talks in Saudi Arabia, at which Kyiv was not represented.

- Agencies

The 4.5-hour meeting in Riyadh marked a crucial moment — the first time that U.S. and Russian officials have sat down together to discuss ways to halt the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War II, in what is an extraordinary about-face in U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had postponed a visit to Saudi Arabia planned for Wednesday until next month, and that talks on how to end the war with Russia could not be held behind Ukraine's back.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington and Moscow agreed broadly to pursue three goals: to restore staffing at their respective embassies in two capital cities, to create a high-level team to support Ukraine peace talks, and to explore closer relations and economic cooperation.

U.S., RUSSIA TALKS He stressed, however, that the talks-which were attended by his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, and other senior Russian and US officials-marked the beginning of a conversation, and more work needs to be done down the road.

Lavrov echoed Rubio's remarks and told reporters that "the conversation was very useful." "We not only listened, but also heard each other," he said.

No Ukrainian officials were present at the meeting, which came as the beleaguered country is slowly but steadily losing ground against more numerous Russian troops in a grinding war that began nearly three years ago.