Riyadh has been emerging as a neutral ground for mediating geopolitical issues in recent years and Trump’s return to the White House has opened other opportunities as a player in global diplomacy, though its broader strategy is still firmly rooted in the Gulf,

They are meeting Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said they will focus on “restoring the entire complex of U.S.-Russian relations, as well as preparing possible talks on the Ukrainian settlement and organizing a meeting of the two presidents.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he had postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia planned for Wednesday and that talks on how to end the war with Russia could not be held behind Ukraine's back.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia in order to not give "legitimacy" to Tuesday's meeting between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he and his Russian counterpart agreed to put together teams to negotiate a Ukraine ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of top American and Russian officials for a high-stakes rapprochement meeting underlines the kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.

As President Donald Trump presses ahead with his attempt to end the war in Ukraine, he is leaning on an old ally: Saudi Arabia’s powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose success in mediating an end to the conflict could deepen his already warm ties to the new American president.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Saudi Arabia for talks regarding Russia's war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will be in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. NBC News' Courtney Kube has the latest reporting.