Related videos:
The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, stated that his country will not recognize the talks taking place in Saudi Arabia between officials from the United States and Russia regarding the war in its territory.
During a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Zelenski expressed his rejection of any negotiation that does not directly involve Ukraine. "We cannot recognize any agreement about us without us," the Ukrainian president emphasized, who is in the Middle East on a tour that includes the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
According to Radio Free Europe, the Kremlin confirmed that the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and the foreign policy advisor to Vladimir Putin, Yuri Ushakov, will travel to Riyadh to meet with their American counterparts on February 18.
The Washington delegation will be led by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, accompanied by National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff.
The government of Kiev has insisted that it has not been invited to these talks and that, therefore, it will not send representatives. Mykhaylo Podolyak, an advisor to Zelensky, stated that "there are no negotiators representing Ukraine in Saudi Arabia" and that "Russia is not ready for any real negotiations."
For his part, the president of the U.S., Donald Trump, stated that Zelenski "will be involved" in any peace negotiations and expressed hope for achieving a ceasefire by Easter, on April 20. Trump also mentioned the possibility of meeting with Putin "very soon," although he did not specify any details.
Meanwhile, during his visit to the United Arab Emirates, Zelensky held a meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where they discussed the UAE's mediation for the release of Ukrainian prisoners in Russia's custody.
"The mediation of the United Arab Emirates has saved many lives. We are grateful for this crucial cooperation, and today we discussed how to continue it," the leader stated in a message on social media.
In addition, Ukraine and the Emirates signed an economic agreement that liberalizes access to the Emirati market for nearly all Ukrainian products, which will facilitate the sale of goods from the country in the Middle East. "We are grateful for the cooperation that saves lives and helps our nations grow stronger," Zelensky stated.
In parallel, the French president, Emmanuel Macron, has called for an emergency summit with European leaders on February 17 in Paris, where the situation in Ukraine will be discussed. Some European leaders have expressed their concern about the possibility of Washington reaching an agreement with Moscow without involving Kiev or the European Union.
Zelensky has reiterated that any decision regarding the war must include Ukraine and its European allies, and he has warned that his country will continue to fight until it achieves a "just and lasting peace."
Filed under:
