Ukraine unaware of U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, will not recognize them

He said this during an online briefing while visiting the UAE.  

"Ukraine will not participate. Ukraine knew nothing about this. Ukraine views any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine as meaningless. We cannot recognize any agreements made about us without us, and we will not acknowledge such deals," Zelenskyy stated.  

In his opinion, these talks follow a bilateral track, and the involved parties have the right to discuss their own issues. The president also emphasized that his official visit to Saudi Arabia on February 18 is unrelated to the discussions taking place there between U.S. and Russian representatives.  

At the same time, Zelenskyy added that he would raise the issue of the U.S.-Russia talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Talks in Saudi Arabia: What is known

Earlier, former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Russian and American officials would soon meet in Saudi Arabia for negotiations regarding the war against Ukraine. According to him, Ukraine would also be part of the meeting.

It was later reported that Saudi Arabia had approved a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin and expressed its willingness to host their summit.  

On Tuesday, February 18, a meeting between senior officials from the United States and Russia may take place in Saudi Arabia, according to Russian and international media reports.  

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on February 17 that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov would represent Russia in the talks.

• A Ukrainian government delegation has arrived in Saudi Arabia. Dozens of meetings are scheduled this week in preparation for the upcoming visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.