U.S., Russian officials to meet in Saudi Arabia to prepare Trump-Putin meeting – Bloomberg

According to Bloomberg, which cites people familiar with the matter, the Saudi government has invited representatives from both countries to Riyadh for talks. The negotiations are being convened by Saudi National Security Adviser Musaed Al-Aiban, a seasoned operative close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Details of the meeting and the list of attendees are still being worked out, but people briefed on the plans said the group is likely to comprise national security advisers. The aim is to lock in a date before the holy month of Ramadan starts in March, one person said.

Another source mentioned that Ukrainian officials are also expected to attend.

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Steve Witkoff, a special envoy, are expected to take the lead in the negotiations in Saudi Arabia.

Bloomberg noted that U.S. President Donald Trump himself indicated on Thursday that a summit with Vladimir Putin in the Gulf kingdom was afoot -- and said Ukrainians would be involved. The two also exchanged invitations over the course of a 90-minute phone call in what was the first contact between the leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.