Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia sought Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s inclusion in US-Russia talks held in Riyadh on February 18th. However, both the US and Russian delegations refused this, preferring a bilateral meeting. Subsequently, Zelenskyy postponed his planned Saudi Arabia visit, citing the exclusion as a surprise. Following the meeting, the US and Russia reported progress on addressing obstacles to bilateral relations and establishing high-level negotiating groups on the Ukraine conflict.
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Following talks in Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that ending the war in Ukraine necessitates concessions from all parties. The U.S. and Russia agreed to restore embassy staffing, establish a peace negotiation team, and increase economic cooperation, marking a thaw in relations. However, the meeting, which excluded Ukrainian officials, prompted concerns from Kyiv and European allies about a potential deal detrimental to their interests. Subsequently, European leaders convened to coordinate their response and emphasized the need for a U.S. security guarantee to deter future Russian aggression.
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U.S. and Russian officials held talks in Saudi Arabia on ending the war in Ukraine, marking the first high-level meeting since the invasion began. While Russian officials described the discussions as “serious,” no significant breakthroughs were announced, with disagreements remaining on core issues. Ukraine’s exclusion from these talks sparked concern among European leaders and President Zelenskyy, who reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to accept any peace deal negotiated without its involvement. Russia’s Foreign Minister Lavrov ruled out territorial concessions to Ukraine.
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High-level U.S. and Russian officials, including their top diplomats, will meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss improving bilateral relations and negotiating a resolution to the war in Ukraine. This marks a significant step towards de-escalation and potential future talks between Presidents Trump and Putin, despite concerns from Ukraine and its allies regarding their exclusion from the initial discussions. The meeting aims to gauge Russia’s commitment to peace and explore the possibility of detailed negotiations, although Ukrainian involvement is considered essential for any lasting agreement. Russia has indicated a focus on restoring full diplomatic ties and preparing for potential presidential talks, while rejecting any territorial concessions.
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Ukraine’s unwavering stance is clear: they will not accept any peace deal terms negotiated without their active participation. This fundamental principle underscores the nation’s determination to control its own destiny and reject any imposed solutions.
The idea that Ukraine’s future could be decided by external forces without their consent is unacceptable. The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated; it involves the security of a nation and its people, not just geopolitical strategy.
Ukraine’s refusal to be sidelined highlights the inherent unfairness of such an approach. A peace agreement that excludes a primary party to the conflict is fundamentally flawed and unlikely to achieve lasting stability.… Continue reading
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has made it unequivocally clear: Ukraine will not accept any peace deal that it wasn’t actively involved in negotiating. This stance underscores a deep-seated distrust of any agreement brokered without Ukrainian participation, particularly one involving key players perceived as potentially acting against Ukraine’s best interests.
The idea of powerful nations dictating Ukraine’s fate without its direct involvement is deeply unsettling. It evokes historical parallels to appeasement policies that ultimately proved disastrous, highlighting the dangers of negotiating peace without fully including the affected party. The notion that Ukraine’s future could be determined by outside forces, without consideration for its sovereignty and the desires of its people, is fundamentally unacceptable.… Continue reading
The upcoming meeting between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine war is raising significant eyebrows, and for good reason. The very notion of these two nations convening to negotiate the fate of Ukraine without Ukraine’s participation is deeply troubling. This scenario evokes troubling parallels to past diplomatic missteps, particularly recalling instances where key players were excluded from crucial negotiations, resulting in unforeseen and often negative consequences. The lack of Ukrainian representation in these talks immediately casts a shadow on the potential for a just and lasting resolution.
This exclusion isn’t just a matter of diplomatic etiquette; it’s a fundamental flaw in the process.… Continue reading
Following a meeting with US Vice President JD Vance at the Munich Security Conference, President Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s need for security guarantees and a joint US-Ukrainian peace plan before engaging in talks with Putin. While a minerals deal with the US remains under negotiation, Zelenskyy successfully slowed the momentum toward immediate talks with Putin, emphasizing the need for Ukrainian involvement in any peace negotiations. Strong European support and assurances from key Trump administration figures helped alleviate concerns over unilateral concessions to Russia. The discussions concluded with an agreement for future talks, suggesting a more collaborative, measured approach to peace negotiations.
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In an interview, President Zelenskyy reiterated that a complete Russian troop withdrawal to pre-February 24, 2022, borders is the minimum condition for peace. He expressed belief that former President Trump, with European backing, could uniquely influence President Putin to achieve this outcome. Zelenskyy emphasized the current US president’s need for a successful resolution to this conflict and asserted Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to participate in any meaningful negotiations. Ukraine will not accept any negotiated settlement in which they are not involved.
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Following Trump and Putin’s announcement of peace talks without Ukrainian involvement, President Zelenskyy asserted the need for Ukraine’s central role in negotiations, citing past experiences where ceasefires were violated immediately after agreements with Putin. He cautioned against decisions made about Ukraine without Ukrainian input, emphasizing the potential for such actions to aid Russian occupation. While Zelenskyy remains prepared for discussions with Trump in Washington, he highlighted the symbolic inappropriateness of signing any peace treaty in Munich, referencing the historical context of the city. Ultimately, Zelenskyy is seeking to reclaim Ukraine’s agency in the peace process.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood