Saudi Arabia will act as a mediator in the negotiations between the US and Russia, according to CNN. Here's what we know so far.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia intends to play a significant role in the negotiations between the United States of America and the Russian Federation regarding the conclusion of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The Americans and Russians will discuss the conflict, while a Saudi representative will actively participate in aligning positions and making decisions. CNN has reported on Saudi Arabia's involvement.

The agency stated that it received information about the negotiation details from unnamed sources within the kingdom. A source explained to the journalists that the kingdom will not merely serve as a "hosting" country for peace talks. Instead, the authorities will actively engage in the interactions between the U.S. and Russia. The Saudi mediation team will be led by a national security advisor.

Additionally, the portal reminded that there will be no representative from Ukraine in the negotiations concerning the Russian-Ukrainian war. It also presented two more facts about Saudi Arabia's role. Firstly, through the mediation of this country, the U.S. successfully brought home American Mark Vogel. Secondly, during his previous term, U.S. President Donald Trump made his first official visit to this country.

Peace Talks and Saudi Arabia

CNN did not explain why the Saudis decided to take an active mediating role in the negotiations regarding the Russian-Ukrainian war. Meanwhile, the BBC recalled the visits of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to this country and its involvement in prisoner exchanges. Furthermore, in 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Riyadh. Notably, Putin was not threatened by an International Criminal Court warrant, as Saudi Arabia has not joined it, wrote the publication.

Moreover, the BBC cited the opinions of two experts — Vice President of the Middle East Institute Paul Salem and Professor of International Relations Hattar Abu Diab. They believe that Saudi Arabia was chosen because it is impossible to hold a meeting in Europe due to the involvement of Europeans in the war; the Saudis successfully engage with both Russia and Ukraine and would like to play a more significant role in global politics.

It is noteworthy that a team of negotiators from the U.S. is heading to Saudi Arabia — Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy for Middle Eastern Affairs Steve Witkoff, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Meanwhile, there will be no Ukrainian representatives at the meeting, although this contradicts the statement made by the special representative on Ukrainian matters, Kurt Kellogg.

We remind you that on February 14, Marco Rubio outlined three stages of the war's resolution in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian side is gathering a team of "heavyweights" to discuss peace with the Americans.