The first high-level direct peace talks between U.S. and Russian officials aiming to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict has taken place in Saudi Arabia without the involvement of Ukraine and its European allies. The talks came two days after the Munich Security Conference where the U.S. openly signaled a potential shift in its policy on the conflict. What exactly is the new U.S. policy on Ukraine? Can a peace deal be struck between the U.S. and Russia without the involvement of Ukraine and the European Union? What does it mean for the U.S. strategy to abandon Ukraine and its European allies while seeking cooperation with Russia?