Disclaimer: I am not a trained body language analyst.

That said, I would very much like to take a stab at the picture that accompanied the RFE/RL report on the U.S.-Russia meeting at Riyadh today, wherein the participants were supposed to have begun taking the first baby steps toward negotiating a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine.

From the perspective of a lifelong people-watcher, I see, first, an immovable object (Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov); second, an old Soviet hardliner with a really bad hairpiece (Russian foreign policy adviser Ushakov); and finally, a terrified U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, looking heavenward and saying a silent prayer to get him the hell out of this Godforsaken place.

(In all fairness, everyone seems to be gazing at something above eye level; but check out Rubio’s intertwined fingers, hands clasped in front of him in a defensive position, and his scared-shitless facial expression. He looks like the sole virgin in a roomful of old prostitutki.)

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But seriously, folks . . .

All of the participants traveled for many hours over long distances to meet in (supposedly) neutral territory, where they spent just four hours to achieve . . . what?

Both sides seemed to agree that further steps were necessary, that they were in favor of continuing meetings, and that lunch was delicious.

You’re correct . . . I made that last part up. But there isn’t much else to report. The Russian side repeated its demands, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the talks were “the first step of a long and difficult journey,” and that the two delegations had agreed on four principles: fully restoring their respective diplomatic missions in Washington and Moscow; appointing a high-level team to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine; exploring further “geopolitical and economic cooperation that could result from an end to the conflict in Ukraine”; and ensuring that the delegations present today will remain engaged in discussions moving forward. [RFE/RL, February 18, 2025.]

In other words, Putin’s “time out” punishment — consisting primarily of ever-increasing sanctions over the past three years — is nearly over, and, like a spoiled child holding his breath until he turns blue, he is about to be rewarded for his tantrum by being given pretty much everything he wants.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov (a.k.a. “The Great Stone Face”) had less to offer. He called the meeting “very useful,” and said:

“I have every reason to believe that the American side understands our position” . . . adding that the Kremlin would aim to appoint a special envoy as soon as possible. [Id.]

Whatever that means.

He did add a few non-specific phrases, such as “practically agreed,” “a mutual desire,” “after that,” and the like, but tossed in a “completely unacceptable” with regard to any potential deployment of NATO troops to Ukraine.

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There was also a brief comment from Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, who was part of the Russian delegation but not included in the high-level meeting. He told Russian state-operated TV Channel One:

“A very positive, constructive dialogue has begun. Unlike the Biden administration, which never tried to hear Russia’s position, this was a very clear effort to start dialogue, understand Russia’s position and discuss the things we agree upon. There are many points we agree on … we got to know each other much better … we understand each other much better now.” [Vitaliy Shevchenko, BBC Monitoring, February 18, 2025.]

Translation: Biden held a strong position against the Russian autocracy, whereas Trump is Putin’s patsy.

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Meanwhile, back in Moscow . . .

What would a report on Russia be without a word from Putin’s favorite mouthpiece, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who had this to say to reporters today:

“A comprehensive long-term settlement is impossible without a comprehensive consideration of security issues on the continent.” He meant Russia’s security, of course. He then gratuitously added that Vladimir Putin would be open to talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “if necessary.” [RFE/RL, op.cit.]

That seems to be a step forward from Putin’s recent refusals to talk to Zelensky, whom he considers to be an “illegitimate” president. But could you possibly be any more condescending, Dima?

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So, to sum it all up: The highly-anticipated meeting at Riyadh was, in fact, much ado about nothing.

Millions of taxpayer dollars (and rubles) were spent on sending these people to a conference that resulted in a tentative agreement to try to come to a more substantive agreement at some future date . . . we hope.

21st Century international diplomacy at work.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
2/18/25