Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated on Tuesday during a visit to Ankara that Turkey and European countries should be included in the negotiations and security guarantees to end the Ukraine war.
Zelensky’s visit to Turkey coincided with talks between the US and Russia in Saudi Arabia on the same day, in which Ukraine and the EU were excluded.
Since taking office, US President Donald Trump and his administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Minister Pete Hegseth, have hinted that Washington would negotiate with Moscow without the EU’s involvement.
Zelensky reiterated his criticism of the Russian-American talks in Riyadh, saying he would not travel to Saudi Arabia as previously reported and instead expected an American delegation in Kiev.
Washington has already linked further financial and military support for Ukraine to the country’s access to Ukrainian resources, particularly rare earths.
US officials have stated that no American troops would be sent to Ukraine for peacekeeping purposes, but instead, European forces should take on this role.
Although Turkey initially played a key role in mediating the ceasefire talks with Ukraine in 2022 and later brokered the Grain Corridor Agreement, Trump’s direct contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin has weakened Ankara’s mediator role.
Zelensky also expressed his disappointment over the talks between the US and Russia in Riyadh, saying he only learned of the meeting through news reports. “I don’t know who is participating in these talks and it’s not really important to me. We are completely transparent about what we do” he said.
“I have decided not to travel to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday and am not misleading anyone. I have already spoken with my Saudi counterpart about the new date, which has been set for March 10. As for the Americans, we are waiting for them in Kiev” he added.