Gulf News
Saudi Arabia to Host Talks Between US and Ukraine to Address Conflict with Russia
In a significant diplomatic move, Saudi Arabia has announced that it will host talks between the United States and Ukraine to address the ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, aim to explore potential pathways to peace and de-escalation in the region. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming talks, their significance, and the role Saudi Arabia is playing in international diplomacy.
Background of the Conflict
This Russia-Ukraine nightmare kicked off back in 2014, then blew up full-scale in 2022. It’s been a meat grinder—tons of lives lost, people scattered, and the world’s economy taking a beating. Everyone’s tried talking it out before, but nothing’s stuck. It’s a stubborn damn mess.
Saudi Arabia Playing Referee
The Saudis jumping in as the middleman? That’s a power move. They’ve been cozying up as a go-between lately, and this is their shot to shine.
- Neutral Turf: They’re tight with both the U.S. and Russia—perfect spot to keep things from getting too heated.
- Street Cred: They’ve pulled off deals before—like that 2019 U.S.-Taliban handshake—so they’ve got some chops.
What They’re After
These talks aren’t just chit-chat—they’ve got big stuff on the table:
- Cooling the Guns: A ceasefire, even a short one, to stop the bleeding and chaos.
- Helping Out: Getting food and meds to folks who’ve been screwed by this war.
- Talking It Out: Maybe some land swaps or promises so everyone chills out.
- Money Matters: Fixing the energy and food price craziness this war’s stirred up globally.
Who’s Showing Up?
The lineup’s shaping up:
- U.S. Crew: Bigwigs from the State Department and National Security Council—Rubio, Waltz, Witkoff, the usual suspects.
- Ukraine Squad: Zelenskyy’s in town, plus his top political and military guys. He’s already landed in Riyadh today, March 11, per the latest buzz.
- Russia Question Mark: No word yet if Moscow’s sending anyone—kinda critical they do, though.
- Global Refs: UN and EU folks are tagging along to keep an eye on things.
The Tough Stuff
This isn’t gonna be a cakewalk:
- No Trust Left: After years of this crap, nobody’s buying anyone’s promises easy.
- Big Players, Big Egos: U.S. and Russia’s agendas are a tangle—geopolitics is a beast.
- People Are Pissed: Ukrainians and Russians at home aren’t exactly waving peace flags—could box their leaders in.
What’s Next?
If this works, it’s gotta be because everyone’s ready to swallow some pride and cut a deal. Zelenskyy’s meeting Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, setting the stage for U.S. talks tomorrow, March 12. Word on X and Reuters says they’re pushing for a ceasefire framework—maybe even mineral deals—but Russia’s not confirmed in the room yet, so it’s dicey. Could be the start of something real, or just another false hope.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia’s initiative to host talks between the US and Ukraine marks a significant step toward resolving the conflict with Russia. As the world watches closely, the hope is that these discussions will bring an end to the violence and suffering, and usher in a new era of peace and stability. The Kingdom’s role as a mediator highlights its commitment to global diplomacy and its ability to bridge divides in pursuit of a better future.
