In a surprising move, high-level officials from the United States and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia to discuss the future of the Ukraine war—without Ukraine’s participation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was not invited to the meeting, which lasted around five hours.
Talks Focused on Ending the War
According to the U.S. State Department, the discussions in Riyadh aimed to find a path toward ending the war that began in 2022 with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that both countries agreed to start the peace process “shortly” and will appoint special representatives to continue negotiations.During the talks, the U.S. proposed a “moratorium” on attacks on energy facilities in both Ukraine and Russia, though further details were not disclosed. Additionally, Russian officials revealed that retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, will travel to Kyiv for discussions with Ukrainian officials.
Zelenskyy Rejects Talks Without Ukraine
Responding to the meeting, Zelenskyy strongly criticized the discussions happening without Ukraine’s involvement. Speaking from Turkey, he questioned how peace talks could take place without Ukraine’s participation.”Again, about Ukraine, without Ukraine,” he said, rejecting any possibility of accepting terms dictated by Moscow. He also accused the U.S. of failing to provide security guarantees for Ukraine in a potential peace deal.
Possible Trump-Putin Meeting?
Reports suggest that the U.S.-Russia talks may lead to a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump in the future. However, no official confirmation has been made.Meanwhile, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have convened separate meetings to discuss the situation, signaling a growing concern over the lack of Ukrainian representation in these peace efforts.
Conclusion
While the U.S. and Russia have taken a step toward negotiations, Ukraine remains firmly opposed to any agreement made without its involvement. With diplomatic efforts intensifying, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether these talks lead to real progress or deepen tensions further.
It’s quite surprising to see such high-level talks happening without Ukraine’s involvement. How can peace be discussed without the main party at the table? The U.S. and Russia seem to be making decisions that could significantly impact Ukraine’s future, yet Ukraine’s voice is absent. Zelenskyy’s frustration is understandable—how can any agreement be fair or lasting without Ukraine’s input? The proposed moratorium on attacks is a step, but it feels like a temporary fix rather than a solution. What guarantees does Ukraine have that its interests will be protected in these negotiations? And why is there no clear plan to include Ukraine in future talks? It’s hard to see how this process can lead to a just and sustainable peace without Ukraine’s active participation. What do you think—shouldn’t Ukraine have a seat at the table?