Zelensky Lashes Out at Trump for Excluding Ukrainians From Peace Talks

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine criticized the Trump administration for excluding Ukrainians from talks about their country’s fate following a meeting in Riyadh with Russian officials. Zelensky canceled his trip to Saudi Arabia in protest of his exclusion from the discussions.

The meeting in Riyadh resulted in an agreement to establish teams to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine and normalize relations between the United States and Russia. Zelensky expressed disappointment at not being invited to the Russian-American meeting in Saudi Arabia.

He emphasized that decisions about ending the war in Ukraine should involve Ukraine and cannot be made without their input.

Zelensky learned about the meeting in Riyadh from the media and had planned to meet American officials after the gathering. He expressed concerns about the focus on improving relations with Moscow instead of addressing Ukraine’s security needs.

He insisted that any settlement negotiated without Ukraine’s involvement cannot be imposed on the country.

Zelensky stressed the importance of Ukraine’s participation in discussions about the war in the country and reiterated that any terms of a settlement must be accepted by Ukraine.

Zelensky criticized the negotiating process and expressed concerns about the focus on a quick cease-fire without addressing Ukraine’s security needs.

He emphasized the importance of outlining postwar security terms for Ukraine and ensuring Russia accepts security guarantees to prevent future conflicts.

Zelensky rejected accusations from Putin about his legitimacy as Ukraine’s leader and emphasized the need for a just peace settlement.

He highlighted the importance of reaching an agreement with the Trump administration that includes security commitments from the United States in exchange for natural resources.

The negotiations in Riyadh did not lead to immediate changes in the conflict in Ukraine, as antiaircraft gunfire was reported in Kyiv after the discussions.

European nations also met to discuss military assistance for Ukraine, as the war with Russia continues.

Ukraine relies on the United States for military support, including air defenses and intelligence, to defend against Russian aggression.

The war in Ukraine has reached a stalemate, with both sides unable to achieve a decisive victory. Zelensky emphasized the need for diplomacy to achieve a just peace.

He expressed interest in reaching agreements with both the United States and Europe to secure military aid and support for Ukraine.

Zelensky highlighted the importance of considering offers from Europe in addition to those from the United States for investment in Ukraine’s security and stability.

Edward Wong contributed reporting from Washington, and Maria Varenikova from Kyiv.