U.S. agrees to meet again with Russia to discuss end to war, Ukraine absent

Moscow wants NATO to disavow Ukraine joining at any time in future

From left: U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and national security adviser Mike Waltz visit Saudi Arabia for a meeting with Russian officials to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. © Reuters

February 19, 2025 00:36 JST

Updated on February 19, 2025 03:34 JST

RIYADH (Reuters) -- U.S. President Donald Trump's administration said on Tuesday it agreed to hold more talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine after an initial meeting that excluded Kyiv, a departure from Washington's previous approach that rallied U.S. allies to isolate Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As the 4-1/2-hour meeting in the Saudi capital was under way, Russia hardened its demands, notably insisting it would not tolerate the NATO alliance granting membership for Kyiv.