In a significant diplomatic development, Saudi Arabia has reportedly urged the inclusion of Ukraine in recent high-level discussions between the United States and Russia aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The talks, held in Riyadh, notably excluded Ukrainian representatives, a decision that has drawn criticism from Kyiv and raised concerns among European allies.
Background of the Talks
On February 18, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov convened in Riyadh to explore avenues for ending the war in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations. This marked a pivotal shift in U.S. foreign policy, as previous engagements had largely sidelined direct negotiations with Russia. The exclusion of Ukraine from these talks has been a contentious point, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressing dissatisfaction over decisions being made without Kyiv’s involvement.
Saudi Arabia’s Position
According to reports, Saudi officials advocated for Ukraine’s participation in the discussions, emphasizing that a sustainable peace agreement necessitates the involvement of all directly affected parties. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud highlighted the importance of inclusive dialogue, stating, “For any peace process to be effective and lasting, it must encompass the voices of those at the heart of the conflict.” Despite these recommendations, the initial rounds of talks proceeded without Ukrainian representation.
Reactions from Ukraine and Europe
The exclusion of Ukraine has elicited strong reactions from both Ukrainian officials and European leaders. President Zelensky canceled a planned visit to Saudi Arabia upon learning of the talks, expressing concern over decisions being made “behind our backs.” European nations, particularly France and Germany, have also voiced apprehension, stressing that any resolution to the conflict must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are scheduled to visit the White House in the coming days to discuss the situation further.
U.S. and Russia’s Stance
Both Washington and Moscow have defended the format of the talks. U.S. officials argue that preliminary discussions between major powers are essential to lay the groundwork for broader negotiations. Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that while Ukraine will not be excluded from future peace negotiations, building trust between Moscow and Washington is crucial at this stage. Putin emphasized the need for a well-prepared summit with U.S. President Donald Trump to achieve acceptable solutions.
Implications for the Peace Process
The current approach has sparked a debate over the efficacy and ethics of excluding a primary party from negotiations about its own future. Analysts warn that sidelining Ukraine could lead to agreements that lack legitimacy and are difficult to implement on the ground. There is also concern that such a strategy might embolden aggressors by setting a precedent where the sovereignty of smaller nations can be negotiated without their consent.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. and Russia plan to establish high-level teams to support ongoing peace negotiations, the role of Ukraine remains a critical issue. Saudi Arabia’s call for inclusive dialogue underscores the complexities of international diplomacy in conflict resolution. The coming weeks are expected to see intensified discussions among global leaders, with the aim of forging a comprehensive and lasting peace agreement that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and addresses the security concerns of all stakeholders involved.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring how these diplomatic efforts will unfold, particularly regarding Ukraine’s involvement in future negotiations.
