St. Petersburg, Russia — Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the outcomes of recent talks between Russia and the United States held in Riyadh, describing them as “positive” and a step toward resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
“I’ve been briefed on the talks. I appreciate them. There is a result,” Putin told reporters during a visit to a UAV production plant in St. Petersburg on Wednesday. He emphasized that the negotiations have paved the way for resuming cooperation in various areas of mutual interest.
The discussions focused on restoring relations between Moscow and Washington, with both sides recognizing the importance of strengthening trust to address pressing global issues. “It’s crucial for us to work together on resolving the Ukraine conflict,” Putin added.
Joint Efforts to End the Conflict
The United States and Russia have agreed to appoint high-level teams to work on a path toward ending the conflict in Ukraine as soon as possible. A statement from the U.S. Department of State indicated that both nations are committed to finding an enduring, sustainable, and acceptable solution for all parties involved.
President Putin expressed his willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that some preparations would be necessary. “We are ready to collaborate on key issues related to economic, space, and energy cooperation,” he said.
European Leaders Call for Lasting Peace
Following the Russia-U.S. talks, European leaders reinforced their commitment to achieving a “just and lasting” peace in Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron convened a meeting via videoconference with European Union counterparts and leaders from Norway, Iceland, and Canada.
“We want a lasting and solid peace in Ukraine,” Macron stated, emphasizing that European nations stand united with Ukraine. “We will take all our responsibilities to ensure peace and security in Europe.”
Other leaders echoed this sentiment. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson highlighted the need for military support to strengthen Ukraine’s position in future peace talks. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic stressed the importance of respecting international law and Ukraine’s integrity.
Ukraine’s Response
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, currently visiting Türkiye, expressed surprise at the talks, stating that Kyiv found out through the media. “Negotiations should not take place behind our backs,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that Ukraine and its partners should be involved in discussions about ending the conflict.
Moving Forward
The recent talks in Riyadh signal a potential thaw in relations between Russia and the United States. While challenges remain, the commitment from global leaders to work towards peace offers a glimmer of hope for resolving the three-year-long conflict in Ukraine.
