A group of advisors to former US President Trump is anticipated to sit down with Russian officials next week to initiate peace talks concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, according to two American government officials who spoke to CBS News on Saturday.

The delegation, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, are scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for these discussions. This development follows Trump’s recent separate phone conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Whether Ukrainian representatives will participate in the Saudi Arabia meetings remains uncertain. On Saturday, Rubio conversed with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, highlighting Trump’s dedication to resolving the Ukraine conflict, as per State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. They also explored the potential for cooperation on various other bilateral issues.

At the Munich Security Conference held this week, European delegates underscored the importance of involving Ukraine in peace negotiations to bring an end to the war. Vice President JD Vance had a meeting with Zelenskyy in Munich, assuring him of the US’s desire for a robust, enduring peace. Zelenskyy, on the other hand, requested “security guarantees.”

Zelenskyy also expressed to the international leaders’ conference that Ukraine would not endorse any agreement formed without their participation and proposed the establishment of European armed forces considering the potential shifts in the Europe-US relationship.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that all options are open for negotiation, but hinted that Ukraine’s expectation for NATO membership might be unrealistic. Hegseth also expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s ability to reclaim its pre-2014 borders when Russia first invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea.

Trump and Putin are also slated to meet in Saudi Arabia, though the exact timing remains unknown. The anticipated summit has been praised by a Saudi spokesperson. Saudi Prince Mohammed bin Salman also commended the agreement between American and Russian officials that resulted in the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from a Russian prison after three-and-a-half years.

Sara Cook contributed to this report.