Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky’s provocative statement after Trump-Putin meeting in Saudi Arabia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Tuesday (February 18) that he has postponed his planned visit to Saudi Arabia, which was scheduled for Wednesday, until March 10. Zelensky made it clear that any discussions aimed at ending the war are not feasible without Ukraine’s participation.

Zelensky emphasized that no decisions about the war should be made without Ukraine's involvement. "We want to ensure that no decision is made without us," he said. "Any decision to end the war cannot be taken without Ukraine being part of it." He further highlighted the need for a just peace agreement, one that involves the United States, Ukraine, and Europe, in order to ensure Ukraine’s security guarantees are adequately addressed.

US-Russia talks in Riyadh: Ukraine left out

The announcement came amid US-Russia talks in Riyadh, where both countries stated they would continue efforts to end the Ukraine war. Notably, Ukraine was not represented in the meeting. The talks lasted for four hours, marking the first time US and Russian officials had discussed the ongoing conflict. In response, Zelensky said, "We were not invited to this meeting, and it was a surprise for us."

Ukraine’s stance on peace talks: No agreement without consent

Ukraine has firmly declared that it will not accept any agreement imposed without its consent. This comes after some European politicians criticized the US administration, suggesting that NATO membership for Ukraine is now impossible and that the full recapture of occupied territories may no longer be realistic. US National Security Advisor Mike Walters stated that regional talks would be essential to permanently end the conflict.

Russia’s position: NATO membership and Europe's future

Russia reiterated its stance, stating that it is insufficient to keep Ukraine out of NATO. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova warned that NATO must reverse its 2008 promise regarding Ukraine's future NATO membership, stating, "Otherwise, this issue will continue to poison the atmosphere on the European continent."