Russia and the US have agreed to start negotiating the end of the war in Ukraine, following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia. The meeting between US and Russian officials was the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that the two countries have met face-to-face to discuss the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that his country would not accept peacekeeping forces from Nato countries in Ukraine under any peace deal, citing concerns over the presence of armed forces from Nato countries, even if they are operating under a different flag. This stance has raised concerns among European leaders, who are worried about the potential consequences of a peace deal that does not involve Ukraine or address its security concerns.

The talks in Riyadh were seen as a significant development in the conflict, which has been ongoing for several years and has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. The US and Russia agreed to appoint teams to start negotiating the end of the war, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying that the meeting was the "first step of a long and difficult journey, but an important one". However, the absence of Ukraine from the talks has been widely criticized, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that his country would not accept any peace deal that is not negotiated with its involvement. The diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine are complex and involve multiple stakeholders, including the US, Russia, Ukraine, and European countries.

The European Union has also been involved in the conflict, with several member states providing military aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia. The EU has been critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. However, the EU's role in the conflict has been limited, and it has been largely excluded from the talks between the US and Russia. The geopolitical implications of the conflict are significant, with the potential to impact the balance of power in Europe and beyond. The US and Russia have competing interests in the region, and their involvement in the conflict has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.

Despite the challenges and concerns, the talks in Riyadh have been seen as a positive development, with the potential to lead to a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US and Russia have agreed to establish a framework for negotiations, which will involve regular meetings and discussions between the two countries. The economic benefits of a peace deal could be significant, with the potential to increase trade and investment in the region. However, the road to peace will be long and difficult, and will require the involvement and cooperation of all parties, including Ukraine and European countries. The following are some of the key points from the talks: * The US and Russia have agreed to start negotiating the end of the war in Ukraine * Russia will not accept peacekeeping forces from Nato countries in Ukraine under any peace deal * The US and Russia have agreed to establish a framework for negotiations * The EU has been critical of Russia's actions in Ukraine and has called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict * The conflict has significant geopolitical implications, with the potential to impact the balance of power in Europe and beyond.

The situation in Ukraine remains complex and uncertain, with ongoing fighting and humanitarian concerns. The international community is watching the developments closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The US and Russia have a critical role to play in the negotiations, and their involvement will be crucial in determining the outcome of the talks. The EU and other European countries will also be important players in the negotiations, and their involvement will be necessary to ensure a comprehensive and lasting peace deal. As the negotiations continue, it is likely that there will be many challenges and obstacles to overcome, but the potential for a peaceful resolution to the conflict is a significant step forward.