US and Russia to Discuss Ukraine Peace Settlement in Saudi Arabia on the 18th

Trump-Putin Meeting Schedule Also to be Coordinated

The United States and Russia will hold a ministerial meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on the 18th. The meeting is expected to address key agenda items including the summit schedule, restoration of bilateral relations, and Ukraine peace settlement negotiations.

According to TASS and other sources, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced through a briefing on the 17th that "Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Kremlin's diplomatic advisor Yuri Ushakov will attend the meeting between Russian and US delegations in Riyadh on the 18th" and added that "they have departed for Libya." Spokesman Peskov stated that "this meeting is for the overall restoration of relations between Russia and the US, and preparations for Ukraine-related negotiations will also be discussed." He also explained that the summit schedule between President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump would be discussed at this time. He added that "Middle East situations could also be discussed at this delegation meeting" and that "our delegation is prepared for discussions."

Reuters reported that Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Russia's sovereign wealth fund, will also attend the ministerial meeting.

From the US side, Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Riyadh. Previously, White House Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz had departed for Saudi Arabia the day before.

Reporter Sang-mi Ahn saramin@hankyung.com