US-Russia Talks Exclude Ukraine, Demand NATO Withdrawal

Recent developments indicate a potential shift in the U.S. stance regarding its support for Ukraine amid ongoing negotiations with Russia. Reports suggest that U.S. envoys have refrained from labeling Russia as an 'aggressor' and have declined to co-sponsor a UN statement affirming Ukraine's territorial integrity, raising concerns about Washington's commitment to a tribunal for prosecuting Russian war crimes. During talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia requested the withdrawal of NATO forces from Eastern Europe, which the U.S. delegation rejected, yet fears linger among European allies about possible concessions from the Trump administration. Cristian Diaconescu, an adviser to the Romanian president, highlighted the unpredictability of the situation, noting the administration's prior criticisms of Ukraine's leadership and suggestions of normalizing relations with Russia. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that the U.S. and Russia agreed on principles for negotiating an end to the conflict, although Ukraine's exclusion from these discussions has been met with strong opposition from President Zelensky. The evolving dynamics raise significant concerns about the future of U.S. support for Ukraine and the implications for NATO's presence in Eastern Europe.