NEW YORK, February 17. /TASS/. Saudi Arabia will not only provide a platform for Russian and US officials at the upcoming talks, but also intends to act as a mediator, CNN reported, citing sources.
According to the TV channel, the meeting will be held on February 18. The Saudi delegation will be led by the country's national security advisor. The US will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump's national security advisor Mike Waltz and the US leader's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. An unnamed Ukrainian official told CNN that Kiev would not be represented at the talks.
The TV channel pointed out that Saudi Arabia is playing a major role in the Trump administration's foreign policy. In particular, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman facilitated the release of US citizen Marc Fogel, who was serving a prison sentence in Russia for drug smuggling, CNN recalled.
Earlier, Witkoff said that he will travel to Saudi Arabia on Sunday evening as part of the US delegation for talks with Russia and expects serious progress in settling the Ukrainian conflict.
On February 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart Donald Trump held a telephone conversation. They discussed the issue of cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, bilateral relations and a number of other issues. The sides also agreed to continue contacts and organize a face-to-face meeting.