Russia and America Dance in Riyadh

The US-Russia negotiations in Riyadh dominated Spanish coverage, marking Europe's complete exclusion from Ukraine peace talks. Morning reports highlighted Paris-London military leadership emerging as Spain and Germany resisted troop deployments. By midday, Putin's openness to negotiations with Zelensky emerged alongside his acceptance of Ukraine's EU membership but rejection of NATO entry.

The five-hour Lavrov-Rubio meeting concluded with agreement to "respect mutual interests" and establish a high-level team for Ukraine negotiations, while European arms manufacturer Rheinmetall described Europe as relegated to "the children's table." Evening coverage revealed US considerations of allowing Russia to retain occupied territories, prompting Zelensky's firm rejection. Trump's pressure on Romania regarding Andrew Tate and potential olive oil tariffs highlighted growing US influence over European affairs.