Zelensky Critiques Exclusion from US-Russia Peace Negotiations

In the wake of recent US-Russia meetings, President Zelensky condemns the lack of Ukrainian participation, emphasizing that any resolution must involve Ukraine directly.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his frustration following a significant meeting between American and Russian officials aimed at negotiating an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Zelensky's comments come after a meeting held in Saudi Arabia, where he was notably absent. After the meeting, which concluded with positive remarks from both sides, Zelensky decided to cancel a previously planned visit to Saudi Arabia in protest of his exclusion.

"Decisions on how to end the war in Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine, nor can any conditions be imposed," Zelensky stated during his visit to Turkey. This comes in stark contrast to the optimistic outlook shared by the American and Russian delegations, who expressed intentions to strengthen their relations.

Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine had learned of the meeting through media reports, stating it was an unexpected development for many. He also alluded to plans to engage American officials following the Saudi talks but opted out due to the lack of Ukrainian representation in those discussions.

“I don’t know who will stay, who will leave, or who is planning to go where. To be honest, I don’t care,” he remarked, justifying his decision to forgo the trip to Riyadh.

Ukraine is actively seeking negotiations that would establish protections against potential Russian aggression. Their requests include formal NATO membership, peacekeeping forces in the conflict zone, and accountability for Russian war crimes, alongside reparations for the devastations caused by the conflict, which has resulted in significant civilian and military casualties.