"US, Russia, Ukraine to Meet in Saudi Arabia Within Days to Discuss War End"

A trilateral meeting between the United States, Russia, and Ukraine will be held in Saudi Arabia within days to discuss ending the Ukraine war.

On the 15th (local time), AFP reported, citing US government officials, that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who handles Middle East affairs and was recently involved in prisoner release negotiations between the US and Russia, will head to Saudi Arabia.

According to Politico, Secretary Rubio is already scheduled to visit Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia from the 15th to 18th as part of a planned Middle East tour, with Advisor Waltz expected to join them in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, President Trump, after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the 12th, said regarding plans for a face-to-face meeting, "We will likely first meet in Saudi Arabia." This sparked speculation that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is close to both US and Russian leaders, might act as a mediator in peace negotiations.

Politico reported that representatives from major European countries do not plan to participate in these talks in Saudi Arabia.

The State Department announced that Secretary Rubio held a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the 15th, reaffirming President Trump's commitment to ending the Ukraine war.

The State Department also noted that Secretary Rubio and Minister Lavrov discussed potential cooperation on various bilateral issues.

Reporter Lee Hui-kyung ddehg@wowtv.co.kr