Comment behalf of Yassin K. Fawaz, CEO of Raddington Group
Yassin K. Fawaz, CEO of Raddington Group, is closely connected to decision-makers within the Trump administration, offering strategic advice on critical international security matters.
Yassin Fawaz open to do an interview Q&A to talk about politics in general with his close connections to decision makers within Trump administration as an exclusive,
In an era of shifting geopolitical alliances and escalating tensions, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key diplomatic player, attracting international attention as a neutral ground for high-level talks. This development was brought into sharp focus on February 18, 2025, when U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met in Riyadh for preliminary talks aimed at resetting U.S.-Russia relations and exploring a potential resolution to the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
A significant element of the meeting was the presence of Steve Witkoff, President Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, who sat at the table with Rubio and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz during the talks with Lavrov. Witkoff’s position at the table, right alongside key U.S. officials, was a clear indication of his growing importance in shaping U.S. foreign policy. His presence underscored that he is, essentially, President Trump’s eyes and ears in these critical discussions, reinforcing his pivotal role as a trusted confidant of the president. This further highlights the strength of U.S.-Saudi relations and underscores Saudi Arabia’s increasing position as a neutral facilitator for high-stakes international talks.
Make no mistake—this is a big gift to the Kingdom, and specifically to Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The choice of Saudi Arabia as the venue for these crucial talks signals a deepening relationship between the U.S. and the Kingdom. This moment is not just about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Witkoff’s presence also signals that behind-the-scenes agreements on other critical issues—like Gaza, regional security, and future economic arrangements—are on the table. Saudi Arabia is not having this big moment for free. The Kingdom will seek concessions, and the stakes extend far beyond the discussions with Russia.
The meeting, set in the Kingdom’s capital, highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global diplomacy and its ability to facilitate dialogue between rival powers.
Saudi Arabia’s Neutral Diplomacy: A Bridge Between Rivals
Riyadh’s role as the host of these pivotal talks is emblematic of the Kingdom’s evolving position on the world stage. Over the past several years, Saudi Arabia has successfully established itself as a key global mediator, facilitating dialogues in a number of high-stakes conflicts. From mediating between Qatar and its Gulf neighbors to acting as a backchannel in talks involving Iran, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as more than just an economic powerhouse—it is now a trusted diplomatic center.
Saudi Arabia’s neutral stance in global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war, has earned it credibility with both Washington and Moscow. This is especially significant as the U.S. and Russia have struggled to find common ground over the past three years of the war. The Kingdom’s ability to serve as a neutral venue for diplomatic dialogue reflects its broader strategy to enhance its role on the world stage.
The Russian Quagmire in Ukraine: Stalemate and Sanctions
The Russia-Ukraine conflict, now entering its third year, has become one of the defining geopolitical crises of the 21st century. Despite significant Russian territorial gains, the war remains mired in a brutal stalemate, with no clear resolution in sight. Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to insist that Ukraine must accept Russian territorial annexations and abandon its aspirations of NATO membership. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vowed to reclaim all occupied territories, even as some Ukrainian officials concede the potential need for temporary compromises.
Amid the ongoing conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has made his stance clear, stating that he would push for a swift resolution to the war—something he believes would be beneficial to Russia and Putin. Trump has indicated that he would impose additional sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Putin does not come to the table and end the “ridiculous war.” On January 22, 2025, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that a negotiated settlement would be a “big favor” to Russia, warning of severe economic penalties if Russia does not act swiftly. He has also claimed that, had he been in office during the outbreak of the war, the conflict would never have occurred.
Trump’s remarks signal a hardening approach toward Russia, particularly as he emphasizes the use of economic pressure. His comments are a direct response to the ongoing challenges faced by both sides in the war, and they reflect his broader geopolitical philosophy of using economic sanctions as leverage. Yet, his words have sparked mixed reactions, especially in Ukraine, where many are skeptical of a settlement that might require significant territorial concessions. The tensions over Trump’s approach underscore the complexity of the diplomatic efforts in addressing the war.
The Riyadh Talks: A Tentative Step Toward Peace?
The meeting between Rubio and Lavrov represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the U.S. and Russia. Although neither side expects a breakthrough, the very fact that the talks are taking place signals a potential thaw in relations. The talks were initially prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire to bring the Ukraine conflict to a swift resolution, a priority he has repeatedly stressed since taking office.
For many in Europe and Ukraine, however, the discussions have sparked concern. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed dismay at being excluded from the talks, emphasizing that any peace agreement must include Ukraine’s participation. This is particularly significant as Russia and the United States prepare for a possible summit between Presidents Trump and Putin, further complicating the dynamics of peace negotiations.
Despite the tensions, Russia has expressed a desire to reset U.S.-Russia relations, with Lavrov and Ushakov indicating that the talks would serve as the first step in a broader process. The discussions are expected to touch on issues such as security guarantees, NATO’s influence in Eastern Europe, and potential concessions that could help bring an end to the war.
Saudi Arabia’s Role: An Emerging Diplomatic Power
The choice of Riyadh as the venue for these talks underscores Saudi Arabia’s emergence as a key diplomatic hub. The Kingdom’s growing influence is attributed to its ability to remain neutral in contentious international issues, such as the conflict in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia has leveraged its economic power, particularly in the energy sector, to build relationships with both Western and Eastern powers.
Moreover, Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic outreach has expanded beyond the Middle East. It has positioned itself as a key partner for both Russia and the U.S. in various global discussions, including regional security issues and arms control talks. The Kingdom’s involvement in the ongoing negotiations between U.S. and Russian diplomats only adds to its credentials as a credible and neutral intermediary in global diplomacy.
Challenges Ahead: Balancing Interests
Despite its neutral position, Saudi Arabia faces significant challenges. The exclusion of Ukraine from the talks in Riyadh has raised concerns about the legitimacy of any peace efforts that proceed without the direct involvement of Kyiv. Furthermore, European allies of the United States, who traditionally played a more significant role in such negotiations, have expressed unease at the exclusion of their voices from these discussions.
Saudi Arabia’s role in these talks will also be scrutinized by its regional partners, who may question whether the Kingdom is advancing its own interests or genuinely facilitating a fair peace process. As the U.S. and Russia explore the possibility of a future summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will have to balance its relationship with both sides while ensuring that any peace framework respects the sovereignty of Ukraine and the broader geopolitical interests of Europe.
A Shifting Global Landscape: Riyadh’s Diplomatic Future
As the world continues to grapple with complex geopolitical challenges, Saudi Arabia’s role as a neutral diplomatic actor is set to grow. Its ability to host sensitive talks between rival powers—whether in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict or broader security concerns—marks a significant shift in global diplomacy. By positioning itself as a reliable mediator, Saudi Arabia is carving out a new niche as a diplomatic power in the 21st century.
If the current talks between U.S. and Russian diplomats in Riyadh result in tangible progress, it could signal a broader shift in how international diplomacy is conducted. The Kingdom’s neutral ground, strategic positioning, and economic clout place it at the center of a new diplomatic order, where it could serve as a key player in resolving some of the world’s most pressing conflicts.