By Humeyra Pamuk
RIYADH (Reuters) – High-ranking U.S. officials revealed on Tuesday following discussions with a Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia that all parties involved will need to make compromises in order to facilitate an end to the long-standing conflict in Ukraine.
“Today marks the initial phase of what will undoubtedly be a challenging and protracted process, yet a crucial one,” stated Secretary of State Marco Rubio following the talks in Riyadh.
Accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz, who was also part of the U.S. delegation, informed the press that no specific timeline had been established for a potential summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The U.S. delegation emphasized that discussions will encompass topics such as territorial concerns and security assurances for Ukraine, a nation currently under partial control by Russia.
Rubio stressed Trump’s eagerness to expedite efforts towards resolving the conflict, with an aim to achieve a just, lasting, and sustainable agreement.
In light of apprehensions within Ukraine and among European partners regarding the U.S.-led initiative, Rubio underscored the objective of reaching a consensus that is satisfactory to all parties involved, including Ukraine, European allies, and the Russian government.
(Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk, Steve Holland, and Doina Chiacu; editing by Ed Osmond and Kevin Liffey)
