Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine has been excluded from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, prompting President Zelenskyy to decline participation. A recent drone attack by Russia injured civilians in Dolynska, while European leaders express readiness to support Ukraine with security guarantees. China also calls for broader stakeholder engagement in negotiations, emphasizing the need for Ukraine’s involvement in any peace discussions.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not participate in the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, as the nation was not invited. Meanwhile, a regional official reported that a drone attack by Russia on Dolynska injured a woman and her two children, necessitating the evacuation of residents from 38 damaged apartments. Governor Andriy Raikovych described the situation as a difficult night for the Kirovohrad region, detailing the impact of the drone strike on a high-rise building and the hospitalization of the wounded.

China expressed support for the US-Russia talks scheduled for today, emphasizing the need for inclusion of all stakeholders. This sentiment was echoed by European leaders, who offered to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and warned against a ceasefire without a formal negotiated agreement with Moscow. Their remarks highlight the urgency that Kyiv must not be sidelined in discussions affecting its future.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, underscored the significance of the Russia-US discussions in Riyadh, indicating that major US oil firms could eventually return to Russia after incurring significant losses. He estimated that US companies lost approximately $300 billion due to their withdrawal, emphasizing the economic ramifications of the ongoing conflict.

The commencement of the Russia-US dialogue will not alter Moscow’s partnership with Tehran, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He affirmed Russia’s willingness to assist Iran regarding its nuclear program. Furthermore, President Trump is rejuvenating US-Russia dialogues, sending Senator Rubio as his envoy to meet with Foreign Minister Lavrov, thereby excluding Ukraine’s leadership and European nations from negotiations.

During a meeting in Paris led by French President Emmanuel Macron, European leaders conveyed their readiness to secure guarantees for Ukraine and urged that a ceasefire should not proceed without a negotiated peace accord with Russia. This development follows President Trump’s choice to conduct negotiations without European allies and Ukrainian representatives, raising concerns among European officials about Kyiv’s absence from critical discussions aimed at ending the war with Russia.

In conclusion, the exclusion of Ukraine from the US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia marks a significant diplomatic oversight, as predictable challenges arise in negotiating peace without direct participation from the affected nation. The recent drone attacks highlight ongoing violence, while China and European leaders advocate for comprehensive engagement to ensure Ukrainian interests are safeguarded. As both the US and Russia engage in dialogue, the necessity of including all relevant stakeholders remains crucial for achieving a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com