• Moumi Mousumi
• 20 Feb, 2025

US President Donald Trump has praised Saudi Arabia for successfully hosting peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for arranging the discussions in Riyadh emphasizing that the war would never have started under his leadership.

Details & Context

Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative Institute Summit in Miami on Wednesday Trump expressed optimism about a potential ceasefire. He criticized the US government's financial support for Ukraine claiming that the conflict could have been avoided.

The Riyadh meeting held on Tuesday brought together senior officials from the United States and Russia to discuss steps toward ending the war. Notably Ukrainian representatives were absent. Trump suggested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could have participated if he had chosen to.

Key Takeaways from the Meeting

- The US and Russia discussed plans to restore embassy staffing in Washington and Moscow.

- A high-level team will be established to support peace talks for Ukraine.

- Both sides explored new opportunities for economic collaboration.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed these outcomes and highlighted the importance of continued diplomacy.

During his speech Trump also touched on other key topics including reducing government expenses, boosting energy production and reshaping foreign policies.

Read More: Israel Receives Bodies of Hostages from Gaza.

Several influential figures attended the event including Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund and Princess Reema bint Bandar Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to the US. Billionaire Elon Musk was also present leading discussions on improving government efficiency.

Trump’s remarks have sparked discussions on the role of diplomacy in global conflicts. While his statements continue to attract attention, the success of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in hosting these peace talks is being recognized on the international stage.