Ukraine War: Zelenskyy Insists on Inclusion

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Zelenskyy postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia until March 10.
He stated that peace talks cannot proceed without Ukraine’s involvement.
Zelenskyy emphasized the need for US and European participation.
The US and Russia agreed to continue efforts to end the Ukraine War.
Zelenskyy insisted that no decisions be made behind Ukraine’s back.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on Tuesday that he had postponed his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia until March 10. Zelenskyy emphasized that any discussions aimed at resolving the Ukraine War must include Ukraine’s direct participation. This stance underscores Kyiv’s determination to shape its own future and avoid being sidelined in critical negotiations.

Zelenskyy stressed that securing a just and lasting peace necessitates the involvement of the United States, Ukraine, and Europe in deliberations regarding Kyiv’s security guarantees. He made it clear that Ukraine’s perspective and interests must be central to any resolution. The ongoing Ukraine War has become a focal point of international diplomacy.

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“We want no one to decide anything behind our backs,” Zelenskyy told reporters. “No decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine.” This declaration reflects Zelenskyy’s commitment to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and self-determination. The complexities of the Ukraine War require careful consideration of all parties involved.

His comments followed reports that the US and Russia had agreed to continue working toward ending the conflict in Ukraine after talks in Riyadh, where Ukraine was not represented. The meeting, which lasted four and a half hours, marked the first time that US and Russian officials had convened to discuss the ongoing crisis. The US-Russia talks highlight the delicate balance of power in the region.

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Regarding the US-Russia talks in Riyadh, the Ukrainian President stated, “We were not invited to this meeting; it was a surprise for us.” This exclusion has raised concerns about the transparency and inclusivity of international efforts to address the Ukraine War.

Ukraine has firmly stated that it will not accept any agreement that is imposed upon it without its consent. Prior to the talks, the US administration faced criticism from some European politicians who opposed ruling out NATO membership for Ukraine. These politicians also deemed it unrealistic for Kyiv to reclaim all of its territory currently under Russian control. The future of Ukraine’s territorial integrity is a crucial factor in resolving the conflict.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz suggested in Riyadh that ending the war permanently would require negotiations over territory. He noted that there would inevitably be discussions about territorial concessions and security guarantees. The Ukraine War presents significant challenges to the international community.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of European involvement in the negotiations and insisted that any agreement must be acceptable to all parties. “No one is being sidelined,” he assured. The need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to resolving the Ukraine War is paramount.

During the talks, Russia reiterated its long-standing position. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova asserted that it was “not enough” for NATO to merely exclude Ukraine. She demanded that NATO go further by reversing its 2008 commitment to eventually admit Ukraine as a member. “Otherwise, this problem will continue to poison the atmosphere on the European continent,” she warned. The ongoing debate surrounding NATO expansion continues to fuel tensions in the region.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember