Significant developments in US-Russia relations have been recorded following the talks in Riyadh, with the Russian sovereign wealth fund expecting US companies to return to the Russian market within the second quarter of 2025. The resumption of dialogue between the two countries marks a possible rapprochement after years of tension over the war in Ukraine and strict Western sanctions against Moscow.
Russian expectations for return of US companies
The head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, said he expects American companies to return to Russia, despite the fact that many market positions have already been taken by domestic producers. Western sanctions had led to the exit of large multinationals, creating gaps that were filled by Russian firms.
Russian demands for NATO and US reactions
During the talks, Russia made it a condition that NATO's commitment to Ukraine's future membership of the Alliance be withdrawn, while rejecting any proposal to deploy NATO peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. For his part, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to rule out the prospect of Ukraine's immediate membership in NATO, describing Kiev's hopes of restoring its borders as an «illusion.».
Trump's attitude and the prospect of a meeting with Putin
US President Donald Trump, known for his statements on the rapid end of the war, has left open the possibility of a meeting with Vladimir Putin later this month. At the same time, he dismissed Ukraine's concerns about being excluded from the talks in Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine reacts - Zelensky postpones his visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to postpone his visit to Saudi Arabia in order not to «ratify» the US-Russia meeting, according to Reuters. The move reflects Kiev's discomfort at being excluded from the negotiations.
Agreement on new negotiations - Russian expectation for restoration of relations
The most important development of the talks in Riyadh was the agreement to establish US-Russia negotiating teams, which will seek to normalise diplomatic relations. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the process as the beginning of an intensive effort to restore bilateral relations, attributing the tensions to the previous US administration.
The return of US operations to Russia, if it takes place, will be a first sign of geopolitical and economic re-engagement, but the final outcome of the talks remains uncertain, given the conflicting interests and reservations of Kiev and NATO allies.
