dw.com
US and Russia to Hold Talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine, Excluding Ukraine
On February 18th, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and Presidential Aide Ushakov will meet with a US delegation in Riyadh to discuss restoring US-Russia relations, preparing for potential Ukrainian peace talks, and arranging a Putin-Trump meeting; Ukraine will not participate.
- Why was Saudi Arabia chosen as the location for the US-Russia talks, and what are the potential implications of Ukraine's absence from these discussions?
- The talks, taking place in Saudi Arabia, are intended to facilitate communication between Russia and the US regarding the war in Ukraine. The choice of Saudi Arabia as a neutral location suggests an effort to create a conducive environment for dialogue. The absence of Ukraine from these initial discussions raises concerns about potential outcomes that may not reflect Ukrainian interests.
- What are the immediate objectives of the upcoming US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, and what specific impacts could these talks have on the conflict in Ukraine?
- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov will travel to Riyadh for talks with a US delegation on ending the war in Ukraine. The meeting will focus on restoring US-Russia relations and preparing potential negotiations for a Ukrainian settlement, as well as arranging a meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump. The talks are scheduled for February 18th.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of conducting US-Russia talks on the Ukrainian conflict without Ukraine's direct participation, and what steps could ensure all involved parties have a voice in future negotiations?
- The exclusion of Ukraine from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia signals a potential power imbalance in the peace process. This approach risks perpetuating the conflict if Ukrainian perspectives and demands are not directly addressed. Future negotiations might be rendered ineffective if this exclusion is not rectified and Ukraine's participation secured.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the Kremlin's perspective, providing detailed information about the Russian delegation and their goals for the meeting. The headline and opening paragraphs focus heavily on the Kremlin's announcements and statements, potentially shaping reader perception towards a Russian-centric narrative. While Ukrainian and US perspectives are included, they are presented as reactions to the Kremlin's actions rather than as independent actors with their own goals and motivations. This could lead readers to view the negotiations primarily through the lens of Russian intentions.
Language Bias
The article uses relatively neutral language, although phrases such as "восстановление всего комплекса российско-американских отношений" (restoration of the entire complex of Russian-American relations) could be considered slightly loaded, implying a more positive outcome than might be warranted. There are no overtly biased or charged terms observed.
Bias by Omission
The article omits potential Ukrainian perspectives and concerns regarding the US-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia. While Ukrainian President Zelensky's statement is included, it lacks the inclusion of potential counterarguments or alternative viewpoints from Ukrainian officials involved in the situation. This omission limits the reader's ability to fully assess the situation and understand the potential implications for Ukraine.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified eitheor scenario by highlighting the separate US negotiations with Russia and Ukraine, implying a choice between engaging with one or the other. The complexity of the situation, including the intertwined interests and potential for collaborative solutions, is not fully explored. The framing suggests a potential dichotomy between focusing on Russia or Ukraine, while a more nuanced approach would acknowledge the need to engage with both simultaneously to achieve a peaceful resolution.
Sustainable Development Goals
The meeting between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia aims to discuss the preparation of potential negotiations for Ukrainian settlement and a possible meeting between the presidents of Russia and the US. This directly relates to SDG 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.