This is CBS, I'm The World.

I'm John Batchel.

The headlines out of Europe, financial times.

U.S. and Russia agree to, quote, lay the groundwork, end quote, for ending Ukraine war.

First high-level talk on the conflict since early months of Vladimir Putin's invasion

mark extraordinary turnaround.

I welcome from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy, Savonis Stradner,

who's here to help us understand what this event means for Russia and for Eastern Europe.

It's certainly also what it means for Greenland and Crimea.

Avana, a very good evening to you. It is a moment in time, yes, but at the same time, there's

significance in these talks in Riyadh. They're hosted by Muhammad bin Salman, the crown prince.

They represent Mr. Rubio, Secretary of State, and Mr. Lavroff, the foreign minister.

But most importantly, who's not at the table?

Europe is not at the table.

Ukraine is not at the table.

What do you make of this from the Kremlin point of view?

What do they mean to achieve by talking over a gold-laden

table in Riyadh? Good evening to you. Good evening. Thank you very much for inviting,

and indeed, there is so much to unpack here. First and foremost, I firmly believe that it's wrong

to discuss anything and negotiate anything about Ukraine without Ukraine.

You have also mentioned that Europe is not on the negotiation table.

And actually, the Russian government has just recently mocked Europe,

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