Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that his country will not participate in the forthcoming discussions between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia. Zelenskyy made this declaration while on a tour of the Middle East, which includes visits to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Ukrainian leader stated that his country was not informed about the planned U.S.-Russia dialogue in Saudi Arabia. He stressed that any negotiations concerning Ukraine, conducted without the involvement of Ukraine, would be devoid of outcomes. He reiterated, “We will not recognize any agreements made about us, without us.”
The upcoming meeting in Saudi Arabia between Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Putin’s foreign-policy aide Yuri Ushakov alongside their American counterparts is intended to restore U.S.-Russia relations, stated Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. The U.S. representation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, national security-adviser Mike Waltz, and special envoy Steve Witkoff, as confirmed by the State Department.
In the lead-up to these discussions, Lavrov expressed skepticism about Europe’s potential contribution to resolving the Ukraine issue, asserting that European politicians appear to want the conflict to continue. Meanwhile, most European politicians express a desire for a fair and lasting peace, with Ukraine actively engaged in the negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump assured that Ukraine will be included in any peace negotiations to conclude the Russian war. He also suggested a possible upcoming meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump expressed optimism that both Putin and Zelenskyy are keen to end the conflict swiftly.
There is speculation that the U.S. is aiming to secure a ceasefire by Easter, with key American leaders set to meet with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia. The discussions will involve Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East negotiator Steve Witkoff, and national-security adviser Mike Waltz.
Despite the assurance of Ukraine’s involvement, there are concerns in Kyiv and the EU that they might be excluded from decisions concerning a potential deal. However, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, clarified that Europe and Ukraine would be part of the decision-making process.
Zelenskyy, who recently visited the Middle East, stated that his trip was aimed at enhancing economic ties, and there were no plans to meet with U.S. or Russian officials. He emphasized that Ukraine will not accept any decisions made by the U.S. and Russia about Ukraine without its participation.
In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to host an emergency summit on the Ukraine war with European leaders. The meeting is scheduled before the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated his willingness to deploy a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if an agreement is reached to end the war. He stated that any role in safeguarding Ukraine’s security is a step towards guaranteeing the security of Europe and Britain.
Meanwhile, Finnish President Alexander Stubb emphasized that any dialogue between Washington and Moscow must consider European security interests. He rejected the idea of a new, indivisible security order proposed by Russia.
