Ukraine Excluded from US-Russia Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict and Drone Attacks

President Zelenskyy of Ukraine stated that Ukraine is not invited to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Russian drone strikes injured civilians in Dolynska, escalating humanitarian concerns. China and European leaders advocate for Ukrainian inclusion in conflict resolution discussions, cautioning against premature ceasefires without agreements. The return of US businesses to Russia discusses significant economic ramifications.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine announced that his country would not participate in upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia, citing a lack of invitation. Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks in Dolynska, Ukraine, reportedly injured a woman and her two children, prompting the evacuation of 38 flats due to the damage inflicted on their building. Governor Andriy Raikovych described the night as difficult for the Kirovohrad region and noted that the injured individuals have been hospitalized.

China expressed support for the US-Russia discussions scheduled for today, emphasizing that all stakeholders should be involved in resolving the conflict. European leaders have echoed this sentiment, asserting their readiness to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and cautioning that a ceasefire without a negotiated peace agreement with Moscow could prove dangerous for Kyiv.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, highlighted the significance of the talks between Russian and American officials in Riyadh. He pointed out the substantial economic ramifications for both nations, amounting to nearly $300 billion in losses for US businesses that exited Russia. Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, indicated that Russia’s collaboration with Tehran on nuclear issues will remain unaffected by these discussions.

The US is attempting to rekindle dialogue with Russia, as President Trump has dispatched senior diplomat Marco Rubio to engage with his counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Saudi Arabia. This move has raised concerns among European leaders, who fear being excluded from negotiations surrounding Ukraine, prompting them to meet in Paris to offer security assurances to Ukraine.

In summary, Zelenskyy insists that any agreements regarding Ukraine must involve its government, and he will not attend the Saudi talks. European officials have urged for cautious approaches to ceasefire discussions without involving Ukraine in the negotiations. The developments emphasize the international dimension of the conflict, with major implications for diplomacy and security perceptions in the region.

In conclusion, Ukraine’s exclusion from US-Russia discussions in Saudi Arabia raises significant concerns for its leadership and allies. The recent drone attacks underscore the ongoing humanitarian crisis, while China’s and Europe’s calls for inclusivity in negotiations highlight the complexities of international diplomacy. As dialogue rekindles between the US and Russia, European nations remain vigilant, advocating for Ukraine’s involvement in future discussions to ensure its sovereignty and security are adequately addressed.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com