Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has declared that Ukraine will never bow to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands, criticizing ongoing U.S.-Russia talks that exclude Kyiv. In response, he postponed a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia, where the discussions took place, expressing frustration over decisions being made about Ukraine without its involvement.
Zelensky: Ukraine Will Not Accept Ultimatums
“I wonder why they believe Ukraine would accept all these ultimatums now if we refused them at the most difficult moment,” Zelensky stated, referring to Ukraine’s rejection of Moscow’s terms during negotiations at the war’s outset.
He emphasized that Ukraine had never reached agreements with Russia even during intense negotiations in Belarus or Turkey. At the time, Moscow demanded a reduction in Ukrainian military forces, recognition of occupied territories as part of Russia, and the appointment of a pro-Russian government in Kyiv.
“As President of Ukraine, I have never given any guarantees to anyone or confirmed anything. Moreover, I have never intended to accept Russia’s ultimatums. And I am not going to,” Zelensky asserted.
U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia Ignite Controversy
On Wednesday, U.S. and Russian officials held discussions in Riyadh aimed at improving bilateral relations and exploring potential pathways to end the war. The Kremlin later described the talks as constructive. However, neither Ukraine nor its European allies were present, prompting outrage from Zelensky.
“We were not invited to this Russian-American meeting in Saudi Arabia. It was a surprise for us. I think it was a surprise for many people,” he said during a news conference in Ankara alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine seeks a just end to the war but will not tolerate decisions made in its absence. “We want it to be fair and that no one decides anything behind our backs,” he insisted.
While Washington maintains that Ukraine and its European partners must be involved in any final settlement, it has not specified when Kyiv will have a seat at the table.
Ukraine Demands Inclusion in Security Discussions
Speaking alongside Erdoğan, Zelensky underscored the need for broader European participation in security talks.
“Ukraine, Europe in a broad sense—and this includes the European Union, Turkey, and the UK—should be involved in conversations and the development of the necessary security guarantees with America regarding the fate of our part of the world,” he stated.
He also suggested that the ongoing discussions between Russia and the U.S. resemble those held in 2022, where negotiations occurred about Ukraine but without Ukrainian representation.
Out of protest, Zelensky postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia until March 10. “We are absolutely honest and open. I don’t want any coincidences. That’s why I’m not going to Saudi Arabia,” he remarked.
Fears of a U.S. Policy Shift Toward Russia
The Riyadh talks have fueled speculation that Washington could be shifting its stance toward Moscow, with some fearing that Ukraine may be pressured into accepting unfavorable terms. The discussions come as former U.S. President Donald Trump reverses the years-long U.S. policy of isolating Russia, raising concerns among European leaders.
The U.S. and Russia reportedly discussed normalizing diplomatic relations and finding a framework to address their broader geopolitical disputes. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated that the talks aimed to explore whether Moscow is serious about ending the war.
“A lasting and long-term viable resolution is impossible without a comprehensive consideration of security issues on the continent,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
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Russia’s Conditions for Peace Talks
Moscow has set out its conditions for any lasting settlement, including a rollback of NATO’s expansion. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated that NATO must formally renounce its 2008 commitment to eventually include Ukraine as a member.
“It is worth noting that a refusal to accept Kyiv into NATO is not enough,” Zakharova said. “The alliance must disavow the Bucharest promises of 2008.”
At a NATO summit in Bucharest that year, the alliance declared that both Ukraine and Georgia would join but did not outline a specific path to membership. Today, NATO maintains that Ukraine is on an “irreversible” course toward joining.
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Europe Reacts with Alarm
European leaders have scrambled to present a united front amid growing concerns over potential concessions to Moscow. An emergency summit in Paris saw tensions flare, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz leaving early, saying he was “a little irritated” by “premature” plans being made “over Ukraine’s head.”
As diplomatic tensions intensify, Ukraine remains firm in its position: No settlement will be accepted without Kyiv at the negotiating table.
