 "US, Russia began unofficial Ukraine talks in Switzerland weeks before envoys met in Riyadh: Report")
US and Russian officials have been holding unofficial talks to end the war in Ukraine over the past few months, including as recently as last week, reported news agency Reuters, citing three sources familiar with the matter.
The sources said it was not clear whether the officials, who had diplomatic and security experience, were sent by the governments. The sources refused to identify the participants, the report said.
‘Side channel’
According the sources, the talks happened in Switzerland through a side channel, even during the transition period in the US ahead of President Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration. The report added that a small number of Trump’s advisers are also aware of the contact.
It was not clear whether such encounters took place in presence of Ukrainian officials and what were the agendas and outcomes.
One of the officials described dialogue as “Track Two” discussions, often referred to informal talks aimed at laying the ground for formal communication.
The Swiss foreign ministry acknowledged that Track Two discussions are often held in Switzerland by parties involved in the Ukraine war, and it was aware of them. “These activities help to sustain diplomatic efforts relating to the conflict,” the ministry said, adding they were organised by non-state actors.
Notable, such informal talks between Russia and US have been reported earlier as well, in 2023 and early 2024 but they apparently yielded no positive results.
Talks in Riyadh
The report comes days after t he US and Russian sides held an official meeting in Riyadh to end the war, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
The meeting however didn’t see representation from Ukraine.
Dismissing Kyiv’s concerns, Trump said Ukraine could have made a deal years ago. “I think I have the power to end this war,” Trump said.
Trump also added he would “probably” meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin before the end of the month.
Trump-Zelensky spat
“A Dictator without Elections, Zelenskyy better move fast or he is not going to have a Country left,” wrote Trump on Truth Social platform.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsEarlier on Wednesday, Trump called Zelenskyy a “grossly incompetent” leader and a poor negotiator.
(With inputs from agencies)
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