In a significant diplomatic development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated Russia will not tolerate the presence of NATO troops in Ukraine as any part of a peace agreement, following pivotal discussions with American officials in Saudi Arabia. "The introduction of armed forces under any foreign flag is utterly unacceptable," Lavrov insisted. This meeting marked the first direct engagement between US and Russian delegations since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Peace Talks, Lavrov Asserts Opposition to NATO Troops
Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Peace Talks, Lavrov Asserts Opposition to NATO Troops
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov firmly declared opposition to NATO peacekeeping troops in Ukraine after US talks in Saudi Arabia, highlighting critical diplomatic tensions.
The discussions concluded with both nations agreeing to establish teams dedicated to negotiating a resolution to the ongoing war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the meeting as a crucial initial step towards a challenging yet essential peace process. However, Ukraine's absence from the talks drew surprise and concern from President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the complexities of the diplomatic landscape.
During the Riyadh summit, the delegation included prominent figures such as US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Lavrov emphasized the need to resume bilateral cooperation and outlined Russia's position that NATO's expansion and Ukraine's potential membership pose a direct threat. Rubio expressed optimism about Russia's willingness to engage earnestly in peace efforts while acknowledging that compromise from all sides will be necessary.
European leaders convened in Paris to deliberate responses to the US-Russia dialogue, though a unified stance remained elusive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated willingness to support Ukraine with US backing, whereas German Chancellor Olaf Scholz deemed discussing troop deployment as "completely premature."
Despite not being present, Ukrainian President Zelensky conveyed his discontent, asserting that decisions regarding Ukraine's fate should not be made without its involvement. His emotional remarks reflect the anxiety surrounding his country's security as discussions beyond its borders could significantly impact its future in the ongoing conflict against Russia.
### Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Russia's firm rejection of NATO troops in Ukraine during US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over Ukraine's absence from the negotiations, which President Zelensky labeled problematic.
During the Riyadh summit, the delegation included prominent figures such as US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov. Lavrov emphasized the need to resume bilateral cooperation and outlined Russia's position that NATO's expansion and Ukraine's potential membership pose a direct threat. Rubio expressed optimism about Russia's willingness to engage earnestly in peace efforts while acknowledging that compromise from all sides will be necessary.
European leaders convened in Paris to deliberate responses to the US-Russia dialogue, though a unified stance remained elusive. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated willingness to support Ukraine with US backing, whereas German Chancellor Olaf Scholz deemed discussing troop deployment as "completely premature."
Despite not being present, Ukrainian President Zelensky conveyed his discontent, asserting that decisions regarding Ukraine's fate should not be made without its involvement. His emotional remarks reflect the anxiety surrounding his country's security as discussions beyond its borders could significantly impact its future in the ongoing conflict against Russia.
### Summary
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced Russia's firm rejection of NATO troops in Ukraine during US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia, raising concerns over Ukraine's absence from the negotiations, which President Zelensky labeled problematic.
