Russian top officials head to Saudi Arabia for talks with US representatives

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov have departed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the instructions of President Vladimir Putin, for crucial discussions with US representatives.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the briefing that the upcoming meeting will focus on efforts to restore and stabilize relations between Moscow and Washington, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

“Foreign Minister Lavrov and presidential aide Ushakov are traveling to Riyadh today, where they are scheduled to meet with their American counterparts on February 18. The primary goal of the talks will be to address the full spectrum of Russia-US relations,” Peskov stated.

The Kremlin spokesperson confirmed that Lavrov and Ushakov will provide urgent reports to President Putin from Riyadh.

"FM Lavrov and presidential aide Yury Ushakov will have the ability to transmit urgent reports to President Vladimir Putin if necessary," Peskov told media.

In his remarks, Peskov explained that while the full report on the talks will be submitted in Moscow, the Russian delegation will have access to all communication channels to relay urgent updates if required.

"Of course, the full report will be presented in Moscow, but if any urgent reports are needed, all communication possibilities are available," Peskov said.

In addition to discussing the state of Russian-American relations, Peskov indicated that the delegations would also address preparations for potential talks on the Ukrainian settlement, as well as a possible meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. The discussions are expected to cover a wide range of geopolitical topics.

Earlier, Trump's special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said that he will head to Saudi Arabia on February 16 evening as part of the US delegation for talks with Russia and expects serious progress in settling the Ukrainian conflict. The Bloomberg news agency, in turn, reported that Trump's national security advisor Mike Waltz will also take part in the meeting.

On February 12, the leaders of Russia and the United States held a telephone conversation. They discussed the issue of cessation of hostilities in Ukraine, bilateral relations and a number of other issues. The sides agreed to continue contacts and organize a face-to-face meeting.

By Vafa Guliyeva