Russia and Ukraine have been at war for years, and efforts are being made to stop the conflict. On February 18, Russian and US diplomats met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss a possible ceasefire agreement. The Kremlin confirmed that if needed, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine Missing from Talks on Ukraine!
The US and Russian diplomats held discussions on the Russia-Ukraine war, but no Ukrainian officials were present. This has angered President Zelensky, who said, “Kyiv will not accept any agreement that does not include Ukraine’s participation.”
Zelensky is also traveling to Saudi Arabia, but his visit is scheduled one day after the US-Russia meeting. His spokesperson, Sergii Nykyforov, stated that Zelensky will not meet with any Russian or American officials during his trip. He will stay in Saudi Arabia before traveling to UAE and Turkey with his wife Olena Zelenska.
Trump in Talks with Putin and Zelensky
Since becoming US President, Donald Trump has been working toward peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. He spoke separately with Putin and Zelensky. However, tensions rose when Trump spoke to Putin first, leaving Ukraine out of the initial discussions.
Reports suggest that Trump is pressuring Zelensky to give 50% of Ukraine’s mineral resources to the US in exchange for security support. Zelensky has reportedly agreed to this condition.
Attacks Continue Despite Peace Talks
Even as talks for peace are happening in Saudi Arabia, Russia and Ukraine continue attacking each other. Russia launched a drone attack on Kyiv, and according to the Ukrainian military, Russian forces used 176 drones in the attack. Most of them were destroyed by Ukrainian defense forces.
The situation remains tense, and a final peace agreement is still uncertain.
