Saudi Arabia to host US-Russia talks on Ukraine

Talks between the United States and Russia over the war in Ukraine are set to begin on Tuesday.

According to CNN, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are traveling to Saudi Arabia for the discussions. 

A Saudi official told CNN that the kingdom would play more than a hosting role, confirming that it would be involved in mediation efforts. The Saudi delegation will be led by the country’s national security adviser.

A Ukrainian official said Kyiv would not be present at the talks, though Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s Russia-Ukraine envoy, discussed a “dual track” set of negotiations and will be in Kyiv this week. On Sunday, US President Donald Trump said the Ukrainians would be part of the negotiations.

News of the US-Russia talks came as United Kingdom Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said on Sunday he was “ready and willing” to put British troops on the ground in Ukraine to enforce a peace deal if necessary. 

Writing in The Daily Telegraph, Starmer said he did not take the possibility lightly but argued that ensuring Ukraine’s security would also strengthen the security of the United Kingdom and Europe.

He urged European nations to increase their defense spending and “take on a greater role in NATO” while emphasizing that US support would remain critical for guaranteeing peace. 

The prime minister added that he would meet with Trump and other G7 allies in the coming days to secure a strong agreement.

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