3rd Round of Negotiations between the US, Russia, Ukraine Kick off in Saudi Arabia

Senior Saudi, American and Russian officials are seen at talks hosted by Riyadh on February 18. (Reuters)
Senior Saudi, American and Russian officials are seen at talks hosted by Riyadh on February 18. (Reuters)
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3rd Round of Negotiations between the US, Russia, Ukraine Kick off in Saudi Arabia

Senior Saudi, American and Russian officials are seen at talks hosted by Riyadh on February 18. (Reuters)
Senior Saudi, American and Russian officials are seen at talks hosted by Riyadh on February 18. (Reuters)

The third round of meetings aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Ukraine kicked off between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia on Monday.

On Sunday, American and Ukrainian officials met to discuss proposals to protect energy facilities and critical infrastructure, Ukraine's defense minister said.

Asharq Al-Awsat learned that the third round will be held on the level of technical teams. More meetings will be announced in the future with the hopes of achieving a breakthrough.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff expressed optimism about the chances for ending the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

"I feel that (Russian President Vladimir Putin) wants peace," Witkoff told Fox News on Sunday.

"I think that you're going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that, you'll naturally gravitate into a full-on shooting ceasefire."

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Sunday the United States was talking through a range of confidence-building measures aimed at ending the war, including on the future of Ukrainian children taken into Russia.

Asked about the goals for the broader negotiations, Waltz said that after a Black Sea ceasefire was agreed, "we'll talk the line of control, which is the actual front lines".

"And that gets into the details of verification mechanisms, peacekeeping, freezing the lines where they are," Waltz said. "And then of course, the broader and permanent peace."

Founder and Chairman of the Gulf Research Center Dr. Abdulaziz Sager told Asharq Al-Awsat that the third round of talks may perhaps lead to parties to agree on a middle ground.

He explained that Washington's continued support to Kyiv may have a positive effect in persuading Moscow to offer concessions.

He stressed, however, that it is unlikely that the US will return to offering the same level of support like the former administration under President Joe Biden.

But, regardless of the leanings of the new administration, the "US has no strategic interest in Russia emerging as victor in the conflict," he went on to say.

The conflict in Ukraine is complex and various interests are at stake, so it will not be easy to resolve, Saqer stated. "Saudi Arabia is therefore helping move things forward."

The conflict in Ukraine is effectively taking place on two levels: The first involves Ukraine and its western allies with Russia and the second involved Ukraine and its European allies with the current US administration under President Donald Trump.



King Salman Orders Hosting of 1,300 Pilgrims from 100 Nations for Hajj 1446 AH

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
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King Salman Orders Hosting of 1,300 Pilgrims from 100 Nations for Hajj 1446 AH

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued a royal directive to host 1,300 male and female pilgrims from 100 countries to perform Hajj in the year 1446 AH, under the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation, which is overseen by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance.
Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Alsheikh, General Supervisor of the program, expressed his profound gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince. He praised the generous directive as a testament to the wise leadership's dedication to serving the causes of the Islamic nation and a reaffirmation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's steadfast position in the Islamic world, SPA reported.
Minister Al Alsheikh stated that following the royal directive, the ministry immediately mobilized all its resources and capabilities to deliver the highest quality services to the esteemed guests. A comprehensive implementation plan has been meticulously prepared, encompassing faith-based, cultural, and educational programs. These include organized visits to key Islamic and historical landmarks in Makkah and Madinah, as well as meetings with prominent scholars and imams of the Two Holy Mosques, all aimed at enriching the pilgrims' spiritual and intellectual experience.
He emphasized that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visitation is a unique initiative designed to strengthen bonds with religious, scholarly, and intellectual leaders across the Islamic world, while fostering cultural exchange and advocacy. Since its inception in 1417 AH, the program has hosted approximately 65,000 pilgrims from 140 countries. The ministry has provided these guests with a comprehensive range of logistical, religious, health, and cultural services, from their nomination through to their return to their home countries after completing the Hajj rituals.
He underscored that this hosting initiative clearly portrays the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims. It aligns with the Kingdom’s vision to deepen its ties with Islamic nations and enhance its positive presence on the global stage, thereby contributing to the achievement of Saudi Vision 2030's Islamic and humanitarian goals.