Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict and Concerns

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states his country was not invited to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. A recent drone attack in Dolynska by Russia injured civilians and damaged buildings. Chinese and European leaders call for broader participation in negotiations, while Moscow emphasizes its readiness to support Iran in its nuclear endeavors amidst US-Russia discussions.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will not participate in upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, as the country was not invited to the discussions. Regional authorities reported a drone attack by Russia targeting Dolynska, injuring a woman and her two children, and necessitating the evacuation of residents from 38 damaged apartments. Kirovohrad Governor Andriy Raikovych described the attack as a challenging night for the region, affirming that the wounded individuals received medical attention.
China has expressed support for the US-Russia dialogue scheduled in Saudi Arabia while urging the involvement of “all stakeholders”. European leaders echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for security guarantees for Ukraine and cautioning against pursuing a ceasefire without concrete peace negotiations with Russia. This statement reflects their concern regarding Washington’s unilateral decision-making in the current geopolitical landscape.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, underscored the significance of the forthcoming meetings between US and Russian officials, highlighting the economic impact of American companies’ exit from Russia. He noted that businesses incurred losses of approximately $300 billion, suggesting that a collaborative path forward is essential. Additionally, Moscow’s ties with Tehran will remain intact despite the US-Russia talks, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who reiterated Russia’s commitment to assisting Iran with its nuclear program.
Former President Trump is reinvigorating US-Russia relations by sending diplomat Marco Rubio to Riyadh for discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. This move has sparked concerns among European leaders, who are increasingly alarmed by the sidelining of Ukraine’s interests and strategic orientations in these negotiations. Zelenskyy firmly stated that no agreements should be reached without Ukraine’s presence at the negotiation table.
In summary, Ukraine remains excluded from crucial US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, highlighting a growing rift in its diplomatic engagement. The ramifications of ongoing military actions by Russia continue to impact civilian life in Ukraine, while China and European leaders advocate for a more comprehensive approach to negotiations. The dynamics surrounding these discussions could significantly influence the future of Ukraine’s security and the broader geopolitical context.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com