In a move towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has sent a high-level delegation to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with US officials. The Kremlin announced Monday that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin's foreign affairs advisor, Yuri Ushakov, will participate in these crucial talks on Tuesday. The agenda includes restoring diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow, exploring a potential peace agreement for Ukraine, and the possibility of a meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin.

The US delegation will be headed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, along with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. This development follows a recent phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, where they agreed to initiate negotiations.

While this diplomatic effort is underway, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed reservations, urging caution against trusting Putin. Recounting a conversation with President Trump, Zelenskyy stated his belief that Putin is not genuinely interested in peace. Despite his skepticism, Zelenskyy noted that he perceives a degree of apprehension towards Trump from Putin.

The specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed, including the US stance on potential territorial concessions from Ukraine. Witkoff emphasized the initial focus on establishing trust and achieving a consensus on the need to end the war. In a parallel development, UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer has expressed willingness to deploy British troops to Ukraine as part of a peace agreement, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the conflict.

President Zelenskyy has firmly stated his refusal to accept any agreements made solely between the US and Russia concerning Ukraine, underscoring the importance of Ukraine's direct involvement in any peace negotiations.