In a significant development, US and Russian officials have convened in Saudi Arabia to discuss peace initiatives aimed at ending the ongoing war in Ukraine, notably without the participation of Ukrainian representatives. This meeting comes amidst rising tensions and controversies regarding the responsibilities surrounding the conflict, with former President Donald Trump suggesting that Ukraine bears some blame. The talks, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, are seen as a crucial step towards reviving US-Russia relations and establishing a framework for cooperation. However, the exclusion of Ukraine has sparked fears in Europe about potential settlements favoring Moscow. Officials have indicated that the discussions are not solely focused on Ukraine, with broader political and economic interests at play, and have proposed a three-stage peace plan. As negotiations unfold, reactions from citizens in Kyiv and Moscow reveal a spectrum of opinions regarding this unprecedented diplomatic engagement.