Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy has announced the country’s absence from Saudi Arabia talks, attributing it to not being invited. A drone attack by Russia in Dolynska injured civilians, leading to evacuations. Meanwhile, international reactions include calls from China and European leaders for Ukraine’s involvement in negotiations, emphasizing the importance of a formal peace agreement.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has stated that his nation will not participate in upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, as it has not received an invitation. Meanwhile, a regional official reported a Russian drone attack in Dolynska, Ukraine, resulting in injuries to a woman and her two children, and necessitating the evacuation of residents from damaged apartments. Governor Andriy Raikovych of Kirovohrad described the incident as a challenging night for the region and confirmed that those injured have been hospitalized.
In the midst of these tensions, China has expressed approval of the US-Russia discussions scheduled for today, although a senior Chinese envoy to the United Nations emphasized the necessity for involvement from “all stakeholders.” This sentiment aligns with European leaders who are prepared to offer security guarantees to Ukraine, while cautioning against a ceasefire that lacks a formal peace agreement with Moscow.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund, has emphasized the significance of the talks between Russian and American officials in Riyadh, noting the extensive economic impact experienced by US businesses that exited Russia, amounting to approximately $300 billion. “There is huge economic toll on many countries from you know what is happening right now, and we believe as a way forward is through solutions,” he remarked.
Despite potential talks with US officials, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov affirmed that Russia’s collaboration with Iran on its nuclear program will remain unaffected. Separately, it has been reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is rejuvenating dialogue with Russia, dispatching his top diplomat to meet with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Saudi Arabia, effectively sidelining President Zelenskyy and European allies from these crucial negotiations.
In light of these developments, European leaders convened in Paris, with President Emmanuel Macron presiding over discussions regarding a security commitment to Ukraine, stressing that it would be perilous for Kyiv to consent to a ceasefire without a well-negotiated peace agreement in place with Moscow. This offer comes in response to Trump’s exclusion of Ukraine and European nations from the negotiations intended to conclude the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The failure to invite Ukraine to pivotal US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia raises concerns over the exclusion of key stakeholders in discussions affecting the nation. Concurrently, an attack on Ukraine highlights the ongoing violence as regional governors and international leaders deliberate on security assurances for Ukraine. As diplomacy unfolds, the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, warranting careful attention from all parties involved.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
