Delegations from both the United States and Russia are convening in Riyadh this morning for discussions focused on resolving the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukraine has been excluded from this morning’s negotiations.
Here are the key members of the Russian delegation:
Sergei Lavrov – Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov has held this position since 2004.
A graduate of the esteemed Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), he is fluent in English, French, and Sinhalese, having served as a Soviet diplomat in Sri Lanka.
Prior to his role as foreign minister, Mr. Lavrov was Russia’s permanent representative to the United Nations.
He is known for being sharp-tongued, particularly towards those he deems ill-prepared, and has stated: “I am not paid to be an optimist.”
Yuri Ushakov – Kremlin Foreign Policy Advisor
Yuri Ushakov has been advising Vladimir Putin since 2012.
At 77 years old, Mr. Ushakov has played a key advisory role for Mr. Putin since 2012.
Another MGIMO alumnus, Mr. Ushakov represents Mr. Putin at significant international engagements and speaks on major diplomatic matters. He is proficient in English and Danish.
During his tenure as ambassador to Washington from 1998 to 2008, he remarked: “What offends us is the view shared by some in Washington that Russia can be utilized when needed and then discarded or mistreated when it no longer aligns with American objectives.”
Kirill Dmitriev, Head of Russia’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, was absent from this morning’s meeting with US officials but attended separate discussions in Riyadh.
The US negotiating team includes:
Marco Rubio – US Secretary of State
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arriving in Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Rubio, 53, was sworn in as US Secretary of State last month, marking him as the first Hispanic and the first fluent Spanish speaker to hold the position of top US diplomat.
He recently spoke with his Russian counterpart, Mr. Lavrov, during which he “reaffirmed President Trump’s commitment to finding a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine,” according to the State Department.
Mike Waltz – National Security Advisor
Mike Waltz served in the US Army from 1996 to 2005.
Mr. Waltz, 51, is a US Army veteran and a long-time supporter of Mr. Trump, prior to his National Security Advisor appointment.
A former US representative for Florida’s congressional district, Mr. Waltz is a retired Army Colonel and the first Army Green Beret elected to Congress.
Steve Witkoff – Middle East Envoy
Steve Witkoff is a long-time friend of US President Donald Trump.
Mr. Witkoff, 67, is an American billionaire real estate investor.
He is recognized for playing a pivotal role in negotiating the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas earlier this year.
Mr. Witkoff has been a long-time associate of Mr. Trump and was present during the assassination attempt on the US president in Florida last September.
The meeting in Riyadh is being hosted by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed al-Aiban.
