- Putin reassures Zelensky that Ukraine is not excluded from peace negotiations.
- Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia marks a shift in Washington’s approach.
- Trump’s presidency sees renewed diplomatic engagement with Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine will not be sidelined in future peace negotiations, following a high-stakes Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected any agreements made without Kyiv’s direct involvement. European leaders have also expressed concern over the shift in US policy towards Moscow, holding separate discussions in Paris to address their security priorities.
Putin Calls for Trust in Russia-US Talks, Assures Ukraine’s Role
The Russia-US meeting marks a significant shift in geopolitical diplomacy, with Washington engaging Moscow directly. Putin’s remarks reflect a broader effort to shape the negotiations on Russia’s terms, reinforcing Trump’s more pragmatic stance compared to Biden’s confrontational approach. However, Ukraine’s exclusion from the initial talks raises concerns about its leverage in shaping its own future.
Zelensky’s reaction underscores the deep distrust Kyiv holds toward Moscow’s diplomatic overtures. With European leaders separately strategizing in Paris, the divide between US policy and its allies’ stance on Russia is becoming more apparent. This could lead to new fault lines within NATO and the EU.
Trump’s administration appears to be prioritizing direct US-Russia engagement, a move that may ease tensions but risks alienating traditional Western allies. Putin’s praise of Trump’s “restraint” signals Moscow’s preference for the new US leadership, which could influence broader security negotiations beyond Ukraine.
A crucial factor will be whether these talks result in any concrete commitments or if they merely serve as a stage for posturing. The next steps from Washington, Kyiv, and Brussels will determine whether this diplomatic shift leads to genuine de-escalation or further geopolitical friction.
The evolving Russia-US negotiations present both risks and opportunities. While Moscow and Washington re-establish dialogue, Ukraine and Europe remain wary of being sidelined. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the real impact of this shift in diplomacy.
“Kyiv cannot recognise any agreements or things discussed about us without us.” – Volodymyr Zelensky
