Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has voiced his strong criticism of recent US-Russia negotiations that excluded Ukraine, emphasizing that any attempt to resolve the ongoing war must be equitable and inclusive of European nations, including Turkey. His comments followed a pivotal meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, which lasted nearly three hours.
The backdrop for Zelensky’s remarks was the announcement from Washington and Moscow regarding the establishment of teams to negotiate a peaceful resolution to the conflict that has persisted since Russia’s invasion nearly three years ago. Notably, the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov convened for talks in Riyadh earlier the same day without any officials from Kyiv or European capitals present, prompting Zelensky to express his discontent.
“We must ensure that Ukraine, Europe broadly defined—including the European Union, Turkey, and the UK—are integral to discussions about the requisite security guarantees with America for our region’s future,” Zelensky stated. He reaffirmed his stance against any discussions that transpired without Ukraine’s involvement, criticizing the “decisions made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine.”
Adding to the tension, Zelensky disclosed that he was not invited to the Riyadh discussions and subsequently postponed a trip he had planned to Saudi Arabia. Originally scheduled for the following day, his visit is now set for March 10.
Amid these developments, anxieties have grown regarding potential shifts in US policy toward Russia, particularly under the previous Trump administration. There are fears that Washington might pressure Kyiv into a settlement that aligns more closely with Moscow’s demands. The recent talks in Riyadh have intensified these concerns, as no representatives from Ukraine or Europe were included in the discussions about European security and the situation in Ukraine.
Erdogan, standing alongside Zelensky, positioned Turkey as the “ideal host” for future negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict. He referenced previous talks held in Istanbul shortly after Russia’s invasion in 2022, highlighting that those discussions represented a significant attempt where the conflicting parties nearly reached an agreement. “Turkey will be an ideal host for the possible talks between Russia, Ukraine, and America in the near future,” Erdogan declared.
Zelensky’s visit marks his third trip to Turkey since the onset of the invasion, as he seeks to bolster Ukraine’s position amidst apprehensions about potential shifts in international support. Turkey, a NATO member, has endeavored to maintain a diplomatic balance between the two warring nations, providing drones to Ukraine while avoiding alignment with Western sanctions against Russia. In addition, Turkey, alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has facilitated various prisoner exchanges that have allowed hundreds of individuals to return home, despite the ongoing hostilities.
