This morning, delegations from the United States and Russia convened in Riyadh, embarking on an effort aimed at finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Notably absent from these discussions is Ukraine itself, raising questions about the efficacy of negotiations that exclude the principal party in the matter.
As the spotlight shines on the Russian delegation, it’s essential to examine some of its key figures:
Sergei Lavrov – Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov, who has held the position of Foreign Minister since 2004, is a notable figure with a complex history in international relations. An alumnus of the esteemed Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), Lavrov possesses a remarkable proficiency in not only English and French but also Sinhalese. His early career as a Soviet diplomat in Sri Lanka undoubtedly enriched his linguistic skills.
Before stepping into his current role, Lavrov represented Russia at the United Nations, where he honed his negotiation skills amid a labyrinth of global policy discussions. His style can often be sharp, especially in conversations where he finds his counterparts ill-prepared. One might recall his pointed comment: “I am not paid to be an optimist.” This statement encapsulates his pragmatic yet, at times, grim perspective on international diplomacy.
Yuri Ushakov – Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor
A veteran diplomat, Yuri Ushakov has been a trusted advisor to Vladimir Putin since 2012, serving in various significant capacities. At 77, he boasts an illustrious career, having also graduated from MGIMO. Ushakov speaks both English and Danish, and his role often places him at the forefront of critical diplomatic events. His insights come with a backdrop of experience, having previously served as Russia’s ambassador to the United States.
Reflecting on his time in Washington from 1998 to 2008, he famously articulated a sentiment that reverberates through Russian-American relations: “What offends us is the view shared by some in Washington that Russia can be used when it is needed and discarded or even abused when it is not relevant to American objectives.” His words linger, echoing a profound distrust that has come to define the relationship between the two nations.
Meanwhile, the head of Russia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, is absent from today’s meeting, having participated instead in separate discussions in Riyadh. The choice to exclude him from this high-stakes dialogue underscores the complex layers at play in these negotiations.
On the American side, several key figures have emerged for these pivotal talks:
Marco Rubio – US Secretary of State
At the age of 53, Marco Rubio represents a fresh face in American diplomacy, having been sworn in as Secretary of State just last month. As the first Hispanic individual and fluent Spanish speaker to hold this esteemed position, Rubio brings a unique perspective to the role. His recent communication with Lavrov was noteworthy; he emphasized President Trump’s commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, according to statements released by the State Department.
Mike Waltz – National Security Advisor
Mike Waltz, 51, is not merely a politician but a veteran who served in the U.S. Army from 1996 to 2005. His military background enriches his understanding of national security. As a former U.S. representative from Florida and a retired Army Colonel, he was notably the first Green Beret to be elected to Congress. His views emphasize a robust approach to national defense, honing in on the complexities of international security in tandem with diplomatic efforts.
Steve Witkoff – Middle East Envoy
At 67, billionaire real estate investor Steve Witkoff has carved a niche for himself within the echelons of American diplomacy. Known for his close ties to President Trump, Witkoff has demonstrated significant negotiating prowess, particularly evident during his crucial role in brokering the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas earlier this year. Interestingly, he has also been present during serious incidents involving the president, including an attempted assassination in Florida last September. Such experiences undoubtedly color his approach to international discussions.
The meeting in Riyadh is being hosted by Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud, Saudi Foreign Minister, along with Musaed bin Mohammed al-Aiban, the National Security Advisor. Their role as facilitators adds another layer of complexity, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s emerging influence in global diplomacy.
As both the U.S. and Russia navigate these challenging talks without Ukrainian representation, one must ponder: will these discussions yield any meaningful outcomes, or are they merely a façade for deeper geopolitical games? The stakes are undeniably high, and in these turbulent times, the world watches closely.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
