Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukraine was not invited to the US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia, despite previous claims of its involvement. This exclusion prompted a separate meeting among European leaders in Paris. Ongoing discussions highlight a shift in US relations with both Russia and Ukraine, amidst growing concerns over peace negotiations without direct Ukrainian participation.
A senior adviser within the Ukrainian government has disclosed to the BBC that Ukraine was not invited to the US-Russia peace talks scheduled in Saudi Arabia. This announcement comes despite earlier assertions from US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg indicating that Ukraine would participate in the discussions on Monday. Instead, Ukraine will remain absent from the talks while European leaders gather separately in Paris to discuss the ongoing crisis.
The evolving diplomatic landscape follows a week marked by significant communication shifts between Washington and Moscow. US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed his presence in Saudi Arabia for the inaugural in-person discussions between US and Russian officials regarding peace in Ukraine. Top US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, are expected to engage with Russian negotiators, which comes after President Trump’s Communication with Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected any peace agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement, asserting that he would “never accept any decisions between the United States and Russia about Ukraine, never”. As the situation progresses, Witkoff mentioned ongoing dialogues with Ukrainian officials, clarifying whether Ukraine would attend the Saudi Arabia meetings remains uncertain.
Rubio characterized the Saudi talks as insufficient for resolving the war, implying a structured formal negotiation process between Ukraine, Russia, and other involved parties is still missing. Upcoming European summits, led by notable figures like French President Emmanuel Macron, addresses the unity among European leaders amidst growing concerns about their exclusion from critical negotiations.
European officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasized that financial responsibilities towards Ukraine rest heavily on European nations rather than the US. He indicated a shift towards expecting European allies to take charge of their defense, invoking a strong reaction from the continent and further distressing Ukraine’s leadership. Meanwhile, Zelensky’s call for a European military force underscores the dwindling reliance on US support amidst ongoing aggression from Russia.
Recent hostilities continue to affect Ukrainian civilians, as indicated by Zelensky reporting a drone strike left over 100,000 residents in Mykolaiv without electrical power, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. This incident represents the continuing fallout of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that began on February 24, 2022, following earlier territorial incursions from 2014.
In conclusion, the US-Russia peace talks in Saudi Arabia have notably excluded Ukraine and European leaders, sparking concerns about the diplomatic dynamics surrounding the conflict. As global tensions rise, the lack of Ukrainian representation in these discussions raises alarms regarding the potential implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and the broader security landscape in Europe. Zelensky’s firm stance against any peace deal without Ukraine’s involvement underscores the urgency for comprehensive dialogue that includes all affected parties.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
