US, Russian Officials Meet in Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Conflict

High-level talks between Russian and U.S. officials took place in Saudi Arabia, focusing on finding a resolution to the ongoing Ukraine war, although Ukraine itself was not represented. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin is open to negotiating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, but raised concerns about Zelensky's legitimacy, suggesting that any agreements would require careful legal consideration. Zelensky has maintained that Ukraine cannot accept any agreements made without its participation and expressed his willingness to negotiate if clear terms for peace are established. Meanwhile, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, emphasized the need for strong security guarantees for Ukraine and expressed concerns regarding any peace initiatives that might come from the talks. Despite the discussions, skepticism remains regarding Putin's true intentions for peace, as Western leaders have expressed doubts about his commitment to ending hostilities. The ongoing negotiations reflect a complex geopolitical landscape as Russia and the U.S. navigate their strained relations amidst the conflict.