Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine “won’t recognize” the upcoming peace talks between the U.S. and Russia in Saudi Arabia, expressing frustration over being excluded from discussions regarding its future. During a press conference on February 17, Zelensky stated that Ukraine had no prior knowledge of the meeting and emphasized that any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine’s participation would be meaningless. He further underscored, “We cannot recognize any things or agreements about us without us,” making it clear that Kyiv will not accept any deal that does not include its direct involvement.
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The Kremlin confirmed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov would meet with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, to discuss a potential U.S.-Russia rapprochement and future negotiations on Ukraine. However, the exclusion of Ukraine has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from European allies. Leaders from the U.K., Lithuania, and Germany have called for Ukraine to have a seat at the table, accusing the U.S. of making concessions to Russia before formal talks even begin.
Zelensky’s response to these developments was firm. In addition to his public statements, he emphasized that Kyiv would make an official visit to Saudi Arabia, although it would not be linked to the U.S.-Russia talks. Zelensky’s visit comes after his meetings with U.S. Vice President JD Vance and discussions with former President Donald Trump, signaling Ukraine’s ongoing diplomatic engagement despite being excluded from the upcoming talks.
Global Reactions and Criticism
The exclusion of Ukraine has sparked outrage, with some commentators drawing comparisons to the U.S.’s controversial negotiations with the Taliban, which also sidelined the Afghan government. Ed Krassenstein, a writer and futurist, criticized the move, arguing that negotiating with aggressors without including the victims of conflict only empowers the aggressors and undermines allies.
On the other hand, figures like Donald B Kipkorir, a prominent lawyer, have framed the talks as a potential turning point for global peace, signaling a new diplomatic era. However, critics like John O’Brennan, a European politics professor, questioned the legitimacy of peace talks driven by what he called “murdering kleptocrats” with blood on their hands.
What’s Next?
As the U.S. and Russia prepare for their meeting in Riyadh, all eyes will be on how these talks unfold and whether they pave the way for future peace negotiations involving Ukraine. President Trump has hinted at a potential bilateral summit with President Putin, but Zelensky has made it clear that Ukraine will not be sidelined in any peace process. The tension between Ukrainian sovereignty and the U.S.-Russia diplomatic efforts continues to fuel the global debate over how to resolve the conflict and who should be at the negotiating table.
