Russian and US officials meet in Riyadh – without Ukrainians | First Thing

<p>Negotiations get under way, with Kyiv and other European powers sidelined. Plus, why gen Z has ditched capitalization</p><ul><li><strong><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/info/2018/sep/17/guardian-us-morning-briefing-sign-up-to-stay-informed">Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here</a></strong></li></ul><p>Good morning.</p><p>The negotiations over a ceasefire in Ukraine between the US and Russia, with Kyiv and other European powers sidelined, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/feb/18/russia-us-ukraine-peace-talks-donald-trump-vladimir-putin-volodymyr-zelenskyy-saudi-arabia-live-latest-updates-news?filterKeyEvents=false&amp;page=with%3Ablock-67b4389d8f08b8338f0d6fcc#block-67b4389d8f08b8338f0d6fcc">have begun in Riyadh</a>, the capital of Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>What was said in Paris?</strong> There were calls for boosts in defence spending – but some, notably Germany, wanted to stymie discussion of European boots on the ground in peacekeeping efforts.</p><p><strong>What has Ukraine said? </strong>Zelenskyy has said Kyiv will not recognize any deal made without its participation.</p><p><strong>Does he immediately get the role?</strong> He has been serving in an interim capacity since Trump’s second term began; his permanent appointment must be confirmed by the Senate.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/18/first-thing-russian-and-us-officials-meet-in-riyadh-without-ukrainians">Continue reading...</a>