Delegations from the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday to discuss the war in Ukraine. This marks the first meeting between the two nations since the start of the conflict, although Ukraine will not be participating. The US delegation includes US Foreign Minister Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff. Russia will be represented by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and a senior advisor to President Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a demand from former US President Donald Trump for half of Ukraine's rare earth minerals, estimated to be worth $500 billion. Zelensky stated that the proposal, discussed during a meeting with Vice President JD Vance, did not include security guarantees for Ukraine, suggesting the minerals were intended as compensation for past US aid without future commitment. A White House National Security Council spokesman criticized Zelensky's decision as "short-sighted." Ukraine is preparing a counter-proposal for the mineral deal.