US and Russian delegations will meet tomorrow (February 18)

TASS reported on February 17 that Axios, citing an anonymous source, reported that a meeting between US and Russian delegations on resolving the Ukraine crisis will take place in Saudi Arabia on February 18.

According to the news site, senior representatives of the two countries will also discuss preparations for a face-to-face meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Earlier, Mr. Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, said he was leaving for Saudi Arabia on the evening of February 16 to join the US delegation negotiating with Russia and expected to make significant progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict.

Bloomberg news agency also reported that Mr. Trump's National Security Advisor, Mr. Mike Waltz, will attend the meeting.

On February 12, the leaders of Russia and the United States had a phone conversation, discussing ending the conflict in Ukraine, bilateral relations and a number of other issues. The two sides agreed to maintain contact and hold a direct meeting.

Also according to TASS, CNN news agency cited its own sources as saying that Saudi Arabia not only provided a venue for exchanges and discussions between Russian and US officials, but also intended to act as an intermediary.

The TV channel reported that the meeting will take place on February 18, with the Saudi delegation led by the country's National Security Advisor. The US side will be represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. An unnamed Ukrainian official told CNN that Kiev will not be represented at the talks.

CNN emphasized that Saudi Arabia plays an important role in the Trump administration's foreign policy. In particular, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman helped promote the release of American citizen Marc Fogel, who was sentenced to prison in Russia for drug smuggling.