In a significant diplomatic development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has postponed his planned visit to Saudi Arabia. The decision comes after a meeting between high-level U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh, where discussions centered on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Notably, Ukraine was not invited to these talks, sparking concerns and criticisms from Kyiv.
U.S.-Russia Talks in Riyadh: A Secretive Peace Push?
On February 18, 2025, senior officials from the United States and Russia met in Riyadh for direct discussions—the first such diplomatic engagement between the two nations since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The meeting, lasting over four hours, was aimed at exploring ways to de-escalate the conflict and improve strained U.S.-Russia relations.
Leading the negotiations were U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. While no major breakthroughs were announced, both sides reportedly agreed to establish working groups to continue peace negotiations and examine the reopening of diplomatic missions in Washington and Moscow. This move is seen as an attempt to re-establish some level of normalcy in bilateral relations after years of sanctions, tensions, and severed diplomatic channels.
However, what stood out the most about these talks was the exclusion of Ukraine. Neither Ukrainian officials nor representatives from their Western European allies were present at the discussion, raising questions about the legitimacy of any agreements reached without Kyiv’s involvement.
Zelensky’s Reaction: “No One Decides Ukraine’s Future Without Us”
Following the announcement of these discussions, President Zelensky strongly criticized the decision to hold talks without Ukrainian participation. Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Turkey, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not accept any backdoor agreements that undermine its sovereignty.
“We want no one to decide anything behind our backs. No decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine,” Zelensky stated firmly. He expressed his dismay that global powers were negotiating the future of his country without its direct involvement, warning that any agreement reached in such a manner would lack legitimacy in the eyes of the Ukrainian government and people.
As a result of these developments, Zelensky announced the postponement of his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, which was initially planned for February 19. The Ukrainian president clarified that the visit was now rescheduled for March 10, to avoid any “coincidences” that might suggest Ukraine’s approval of discussions it was not a part of.
Why Was Ukraine Excluded?
The absence of Ukrainian representatives at the Riyadh talks has fueled speculation about whether the U.S. and Russia are exploring a separate peace deal that could pressure Ukraine into making concessions. While U.S. officials have reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine, some political analysts suggest that Washington may be considering alternative diplomatic approaches to bring an end to the war—especially as the conflict continues to drain Western resources and disrupt global stability.
Russia, on the other hand, has long pushed for negotiations without Ukraine, arguing that its security concerns must be addressed directly with Western powers rather than with Kyiv. Moscow has consistently demanded that Ukraine abandon its aspirations to join NATO and recognize Russian control over occupied territories. Any peace talks involving Russia are expected to be complicated by these long-standing conditions, which Ukraine has repeatedly rejected.
European and Global Reactions
The exclusion of Ukraine from the Riyadh talks has drawn mixed reactions from the international community. European leaders, in particular, have expressed unease over the possibility of a deal being crafted without Ukraine’s input. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed his country’s stance, stating, “There must be no decision over the heads of Ukraine. Any negotiations must involve the Ukrainian leadership.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also voiced concerns, warning that bypassing Ukraine in peace talks could lead to an agreement that lacks durability. He emphasized that Europe remains steadfast in its support for Kyiv and that any long-term solution to the conflict must be one that Ukraine itself finds acceptable.
Within Russia, the talks have sparked cautious optimism among the population. After three years of war, sanctions, and international isolation, many Russians hope that diplomatic efforts might lead to an end to the fighting and a gradual easing of economic restrictions. However, analysts warn that peace talks remain fragile, especially as Ukraine continues to demand the full restoration of its territorial integrity.
Challenges to a Peaceful Resolution
Despite the renewed push for dialogue, significant challenges remain. Russia has refused to withdraw from occupied Ukrainian territories and continues to assert its claims over regions such as Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia. Ukraine, on the other hand, has made it clear that no settlement will be accepted unless it restores the country’s full sovereignty.
Another key issue is the question of NATO expansion. Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, viewing it as a direct threat to its security. The U.S. and European allies have continued to support Ukraine’s right to choose its alliances, but any potential peace deal may require compromises on this issue—something Kyiv has refused to consider so far.
Moreover, with the 2024 U.S. presidential elections having brought new leadership to Washington, the Biden administration’s previous unwavering support for Ukraine is now being reassessed under the current government. Some policymakers in Washington are pushing for a pragmatic approach to ending the war, while others insist that Russia must be held accountable for its aggression.
What’s Next?
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of these diplomatic efforts. While U.S. and Russian officials have committed to continuing discussions, the absence of Ukraine in these initial talks complicates matters. If future negotiations fail to include Ukrainian leadership, it is likely that Kyiv will resist any outcomes imposed on it, potentially prolonging the conflict.
For President Zelensky, the decision to delay his Saudi visit reflects a broader effort to assert Ukraine’s role in any future peace process. While Kyiv continues to rely on Western military and financial support, it is also wary of being sidelined in negotiations that could shape its future.
As the war nears its third anniversary, the question remains: Can a peace deal be reached that satisfies all parties involved? Or will diplomatic efforts be yet another chapter in the long and painful conflict that has reshaped global politics? The world watches as the situation unfolds, knowing that the fate of Ukraine—and the stability of Europe—may hinge on the decisions made in the days ahead.
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