In the coming days, discussions centered on resolving the Ukrainian conflict are reportedly moving toward Saudi Arabia. It is said that neither the United States president nor the Russian president will attend these talks in person. The news emerged as Donald Trump had a brief pause before his conversations with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House. The report was widely circulated, noting the absence of the two leaders from the Saudi venue and emphasizing the role of other senior participants in the process.
Observers describe a second thread of diplomacy involving a meeting in Munich in the near term, with another session planned for the following week in Saudi Arabia. It is indicated that the participants will be high-level officials rather than the heads of state, and that representatives of Ukraine are expected to be present. The arrangement appears to focus on a broader network of actors who can negotiate, exchange positions, and seek practical steps that could reduce tensions and lay groundwork for a broader settlement.
On February 13, a Kremlin spokesperson stated that talks between Putin and Trump could take place in a neutral third country ahead of any formal visit, and that mutual invitations had been exchanged to this effect. The comments underscored a willingness to explore a pathway for dialogue, even as other channels continue to function and the larger dispute remains unresolved. The emphasis remained on finding space for direct engagement without demanding immediate face-to-face summits.
This phase of diplomacy, as described, reflects an early openness to resuming talks between the two leaders and to testing ideas through intermediaries and official channels. It suggests a strategy that relies on careful sequencing, with the possibility of future meetings serving as milestones rather than a single, decisive moment. The emphasis on neutral ground and multi-party participation signals an attempt to decouple highly symbolic presidential appearances from the practical work of negotiating specific steps toward settlement.
Overall, the situation remains fluid and subject to change as capitals reassess priorities, risk, and leverage. The unfolding pattern—multiple venues, a preference for official-level discussions, and a gradual, staged approach to negotiations—appears to be aimed at building consensus around a way forward for Ukraine. The evolving diplomacy continues to unfold through parallel talks and informal channels, reflecting a cautious but persistent effort to ease the crisis through dialogue and practical proposals.