Ukraine Declines Participation in Upcoming US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia

Ukraine has decided not to attend US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, as confirmed by adviser Mykhailo Podolyak. The decision comes amid critical upcoming communications between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, which are expected to shape future negotiations for Ukraine’s involvement. The US and Russia, meanwhile, plan to resume ceasefire discussions shortly.

The Presidential Office of Ukraine has announced that it will not send a delegation to the forthcoming negotiations between the United States and Russia, scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia. Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Presidential Office, clarified that these discussions will be strictly bilateral and do not include Ukraine’s participation at this time.

Podolyak noted that the outcome of an upcoming conversation between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is crucial for understanding future negotiations involving Ukraine. “The president wants to understand the contents of this call fully from Trump,” he remarked, emphasizing the necessity of drawing meaningful conclusions from the dialogue between the two leaders.

Reflecting on a previously unsuccessful meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at the White House, Podolyak expressed concerns regarding the emotional nature of that discussion, which he stated revealed significant misunderstandings. He indicated that these complexities will inevitably influence the ongoing US-Russia dialogue in Saudi Arabia while maintaining channels of communication on both official and unofficial levels.

Recently, US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz announced the resumption of talks between the US and Russia aimed at establishing a ceasefire in Ukraine. The meeting will take place in Riyadh, focusing on the expansion of a partial ceasefire that was negotiated by President Trump. Although discussions with President Putin resulted in the rejection of a full ceasefire, there was an indication that attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities might cease.

Furthermore, President Zelenskyy is scheduled to have a phone conversation with President Trump on March 19, marking their first communication since their contentious exchange at the White House. It is anticipated that the conversation will cover Trump’s recent call with Putin, with the aim of clarifying positions moving forward.

In summary, Ukraine will not participate in the upcoming US-Russia negotiations scheduled for March 23 in Saudi Arabia, following an announcement from Mykhailo Podolyak. The outcomes of a phone call between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to inform future discussions involving Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US and Russia are set to resume ceasefire negotiations, although previous discussions have indicated tensions between the parties.

Original Source: newsukraine.rbc.ua