Zelensky expresses surprise at Russia-US talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his government was caught off guard by a Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, after learning about it only through the media.
Speaking at a press conference in the Turkish capital alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy said: "The Russia-US meeting (in the Saudi capital Riyadh) was a surprise for us. We learned about it from the media."
He stressed the need for the EU, Turkey, the UK and the US to be involved in negotiations to provide guarantees for the Russia-Ukraine war.
Zelensky underlined the importance of ensuring that the war ends with a credible and lasting peace, warning against mistakes in the process.
"If these negotiations are fair and if Ukraine, the US and Europe are at the table, these guarantees will be developed with the participation of all these countries. Of course, Turkey is among them."
Reaffirming Ukraine's desire to see the war end on just terms, he stressed that any resolution must include Ukraine's participation.
Referring to recent talks between American and Russian officials, he said: "I don't know who's going to stay or who's going to go. Frankly, I'm not very interested."
He added that he had deliberately decided not to visit Saudi Arabia immediately to avoid sending the wrong message.
Zelensky confirmed that his visit to Saudi Arabia is scheduled for March 10, adding: "As for the US, we are waiting for them in Kiev."
