Russian and US officials did not discuss lifting sanctions at Riyadh meeting

Representatives of Russia and the United States during a meeting in Riyadh did not discuss the lifting of sanctions. Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), told the American TV channel CNN on February 18.

"Sanctions were not on the negotiating table. It was more of a process of how to move forward, some joint economic steps that we can also make in the future, and definitely the resolution of various political issues," Dmitriev said, his words quoted by RIA Novosti.

He noted that economic restrictions have helped stimulate Russia's economy. The head of RDIF pointed out that Moscow and Washington are open to cooperation and ready to interact in the field of economy and investment.

Listening and hearing each other. How the meeting with the US delegation ended

Earlier in the day, French MEP Thierry Mariani said that the European Union (EU) countries would have to lift anti-Russian sanctions if Washington decides to do so. In the politician's opinion, Ukraine will definitely not join NATO or the EU now.

On the same day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said after talks in Riyadh that Western countries would be forced to lift anti-Russian sanctions if the conflict in Ukraine is resolved. The politician pointed out that other countries could do the same. At the same time, European Commissioner for Trade Valdis Dombrovskis said that the EU would not cancel restrictions against Russia even if the USA did so. He reminded that the 16th package of anti-Russian restrictions is currently under development.

Thetalks between the Russian and American delegations on February 18 in Riyadh lasted 4.5 hours. The Russian delegation was represented at the meeting by Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Assistant to the Head of State Yuri Ushakov and the head of RDIF Kirill Dmitriev. From the United States, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security Mike Waltz and U.S. leader Donald Trump 's special envoy to the Middle East Steven Whitkoff attended the meeting.

Lavrov emphasized that the talks held in Riyadh were useful. The delegations of Moscow and Washington agreed to form a process to resolve the conflict in the near future.