This follows Ukraine not receiving an invitation to attend peace talks in Saudi Arabia with Russian and US officials next week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept any decisions made between the United States and Russia regarding Ukraine’s future without Kyiv’s direct involvement. This declaration comes in response to Ukraine not receiving an invitation to upcoming peace talks in Saudi Arabia, where U.S. and Russian officials are set to discuss the ongoing conflict.
The Saudi-hosted talks aim to address the war in Ukraine, with U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff representing the United States. These discussions are among the first significant in-person meetings between U.S. and Russian officials in years and are intended to pave the way for a future meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, the exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from these negotiations has sparked frustration and concern among their leaders. European officials emphasize that any decisions about Ukraine’s future must include both Kyiv and European stakeholders, given the profound security implications for the continent.
President Zelensky has also highlighted the critical importance of continued U.S. military aid for Ukraine’s survival against Russian aggression. While expressing trust in President Trump, Zelensky underscored that Ukraine’s chances of survival are significantly diminished without sustained U.S. support. He also emphasized the necessity of Ukraine’s participation in peace negotiations, warning against making concessions to Russia without Kyiv’s involvement.
The situation has prompted European leaders to convene an emergency summit in Paris, led by French President Emmanuel Macron, to address the potential implications of being sidelined in these critical discussions. The exclusionary approach of the U.S. administration has raised concerns about the future of European security and the integrity of alliances such as NATO. European leaders stress the importance of a united front and the inclusion of all affected parties in negotiations to ensure a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.
