In a sharp rebuke, Zelensky asserts that any peace decisions must involve Ukraine directly.
Zelensky Condemns Exclusion from US-Russia Peace Talks
Zelensky Condemns Exclusion from US-Russia Peace Talks
Ukrainian President expresses frustration over being sidelined in negotiations targeting the Ukraine conflict.
After a critical meeting between American and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia aimed at negotiating peace in the Ukraine conflict, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced his outrage at being excluded from the negotiations concerning his nation’s future. Speaking from Turkey, Zelensky denounced the U.S. administration's tactics, emphasizing that “Decisions on how to end the war in Ukraine cannot be made without Ukraine” and that no conditions should be imposed without Ukrainian involvement.
In protest of his lack of invitation, he canceled a scheduled trip to Riyadh. His outrage was fueled by reports that Ukraine had learned about the discussions through media, rather than from the involved parties. Zelensky had hoped to meet with U.S. officials after the Russian-American discussions as part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
He lamented, “I don’t know who is planning to talk or involved where, but it is irrelevant to me,” highlighting the need for Ukraine's direct involvement in any talks concerning their sovereignty. Amidst this backdrop, Ukraine continues to advocate for NATO membership, enhanced protective measures against future Russian aggression, prosecution of war crimes, and reparations for the extensive damage inflicted during the conflict, which has taken a tremendous toll on both civilians and military personnel.
In protest of his lack of invitation, he canceled a scheduled trip to Riyadh. His outrage was fueled by reports that Ukraine had learned about the discussions through media, rather than from the involved parties. Zelensky had hoped to meet with U.S. officials after the Russian-American discussions as part of his ongoing diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
He lamented, “I don’t know who is planning to talk or involved where, but it is irrelevant to me,” highlighting the need for Ukraine's direct involvement in any talks concerning their sovereignty. Amidst this backdrop, Ukraine continues to advocate for NATO membership, enhanced protective measures against future Russian aggression, prosecution of war crimes, and reparations for the extensive damage inflicted during the conflict, which has taken a tremendous toll on both civilians and military personnel.
