Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposed discussions between the US and Russia regarding the resolution of the war in Ukraine, emphasizing that Kyiv must be included in any dialogues concerning its future.
His remarks came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia for high-level talks between American and Russian officials, raising concerns in Ukraine about being sidelined in the peace negotiations.
The Kremlin announced that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, a Kremlin foreign policy advisor who has also served as ambassador to Washington, will meet with US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Saudi Arabia tomorrow.
Joining Mr. Rubio at the talks in Riyadh will be National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. This marks one of the first in-person, high-level discussions in years between US and Russian officials.
Volodymyr Zelensky made his comments during a visit to the UAE.
“Ukraine considers any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukrainian participation to be futile, and we cannot acknowledge… any agreements made about us without our involvement.”
The Kremlin has confirmed it is sending President Vladimir Putin’s top diplomat and his chief foreign policy advisor to Riyadh for discussions aimed at facilitating a meeting between the leaders of the US and Russia.
Mr. Zelensky mentioned that he plans to visit Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, clarifying that his state visit was scheduled in advance and unrelated to the US-Russian talks.
The Ukrainian leader also urged for enhanced American security assurances as part of a deal involving critical minerals that would unlock Ukraine’s vast natural resources in exchange for US support.
Mr. Zelensky expressed his intention to invite former US Ambassador to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, to the front lines to meet with troops during a visit planned for Thursday.
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Russia rules out territorial concessions.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has dismissed any possibility of territorial concessions to Ukraine, presenting a stern opening position just before tomorrow’s negotiations.
Mr. Lavrov stated that there would be no discussions regarding territorial concessions to Ukraine, where approximately 20% of the territory is under Russian control.
“Territorial concessions to what is currently referred to as Ukraine were granted by the Soviet leadership during the establishment of the USSR,” Mr. Lavrov remarked, ridiculing Ukraine’s proposal to allow the US access to minerals.
“How should we cede – with Russian citizens or with rare earth metals?” Mr. Lavrov questioned.
In November, reports indicated that Mr. Putin was willing to discuss an agreement with Mr. Trump, but would refuse to make significant territorial concessions and would expect Kyiv to abandon its aspirations of NATO membership.
A source familiar with Kremlin sentiments indicated that while Mr. Putin is serious about negotiating a deal, it will not be at any cost.
The Kremlin has stated that the discussions will focus on rebuilding Russian-US relations and laying the groundwork for potential talks to end the conflict.
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin engaged in a lengthy phone conversation last week, agreeing to commence ceasefire discussions immediately.
The administration of US President Joe Biden, alongside most EU leaders and Ukraine, sees Russia’s military actions as an attempt to reclaim lost territory and assert Russian influence. Kyiv and various EU leaders assert that should Mr. Putin emerge victorious, he might target NATO next.
In contrast, Russia dismisses this viewpoint and denies any intentions of further aggression. Mr. Putin contends that his “special military operation” is crucial for safeguarding Russian speakers in Ukraine and mitigating the threat posed by potential Ukrainian NATO membership.
Last week, the United States surprised European leaders by declaring that Ukraine’s membership in NATO was not viable, that reverting to its pre-2014 borders was impractical, and that Europe would not partake in negotiations with Russia and Ukraine.
Mr. Lavrov expressed skepticism regarding Europe’s role at the negotiation table: “If they are merely going to propose insincere ideas about freezing the conflict, while planning to continue the war, then why invite them?”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated his readiness to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, coinciding with upcoming discussions among European leaders in Paris regarding Europe’s involvement in a potential ceasefire.
Trump indicates a very soon meeting with Putin.
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Yesterday, the US President stated that he could meet “very soon” with Mr. Putin, adding that he believes his Russian counterpart genuinely desires to end the conflict in Ukraine.
“No specific time has been set, but it could be very soon,” Mr. Trump told reporters after a flight on Air Force One.
When asked if he believes Mr. Putin aims to seize all of Ukraine, Mr. Trump replied: “That was my inquiry to him.
“If he proceeds… that would pose a significant issue for me,” Mr. Trump remarked.
“I believe he wishes to conclude it, and they both want a swift resolution. Zelensky wishes to end it as well,” he stated.
