Zelensky disregarded US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia: what to expect from such a statement
17 February 17:59
Ukraine’s leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that official Kyiv does not recognize the talks between US and Russian representatives to be held in Saudi Arabia. The Ukrainian president made this statement on February 17 during a press conference, reports
“Ukraine considers any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine to be fruitless. And we cannot recognize any things or any agreements about us without us. And we will not recognize such agreements,” Zelensky said.
The President also said that his visit to Saudi Arabia was not related to the negotiations between the United States and Russia. He emphasized that the trip was planned in advance and has nothing to do with discussions between American and Russian representatives.
“I would like to upset Volodymyr Zelenskyy, because nothing will change whether he recognizes the negotiations or not. The issue is that the United States and Russia, unfortunately, as subjects of international relations, have every right to negotiate with each other and achieve some results,” the expert explained.
Nevertheless, Yevhen Magda drew attention to the fact that it should be important for Ukraine to know what mechanisms the negotiating parties will use to implement the results of the negotiations because at this point Ukraine should clearly state that it has its own armed forces that also work for results.
“If all this does not happen, the president’s statements will be unfounded, to put it mildly.
And unfounded statements in this situation, I think, are not very good. Therefore, we cannot not recognize the negotiations. We can make these negotiations more effective for us,” the political scientist explained.
The expert also expressed the opinion that Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s current statements may be aimed at demonstrating that Ukraine will not participate in the talks in Saudi Arabia because of the significant domestic political risks of this discussion.
“Let me remind you that we have a strategic partnership agreement with the United States. I believe that we should make a public demand that we want to receive information on the course of these negotiations at the interstate level and that Ukraine will not take any actions that will be directed against it,” Magda summarized.
What is known about the talks in Saudi Arabia
The Ukrainian president’s statement came against the backdrop of planned talks between high-ranking US and Russian officials in Riyadh to discuss a possible end to the nearly three-year conflict in Ukraine. The absence of an invitation for Ukraine and European countries to attend these talks has caused concern among their leaders.
In response to these developments, European leaders gathered in Paris to discuss a unified strategy for the future of Ukraine and possible peace talks between the United States and Russia. French President Emmanuel Macron held talks with US President Donald Trump before the summit, emphasizing the need for coordination between Europe and the US.
Thus, Ukraine’s position remains unchanged: any decisions regarding its future should be made with its direct participation, and the country does not recognize the results of negotiations that are held without its presence.
