Zelenskyy: Ukraine Was Unaware of U.S.-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia, Will Not Recognize Any Agreements

Ukraine will not take part in the upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia and will not recognize any agreements concerning Ukraine made without its involvement, UNITED24 Media correspondent reported, citing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a press briefing on February 17.

“Ukraine will not participate. Ukraine knew nothing about this. And Ukraine considers any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine to be meaningless. We cannot recognize any deals or agreements about us without us, and we will not acknowledge such agreements,” Zelenskyy said when asked about the planned discussions between U.S. and Russian representatives in Saudi Arabia.

The president acknowledged that the U.S. and Russia have the right to hold bilateral discussions if they have mutual issues to address. However, he noted that while these talks have been discussed privately before, they are only now becoming public knowledge.

Zelenskyy also clarified that his upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia has no connection to the negotiations taking place between U.S. and Russian representatives there.

The Ukrainian leader added that he intends to ask Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman about the talks during his visit.

Additionally, Zelenskyy revealed that he will use the trip to discuss lowering global oil prices—a move he believes could be influenced by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

“I don’t know who can succeed in lowering oil prices. I believe President Trump has the biggest leverage in this area. He is the strongest in the energy sector and has this in his hands. And I think that if he sets this as a goal, he can achieve it,” Zelenskyy stated.

Earlier, reports emerged that delegations from the United States and Russia are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on February 18. The parties will discuss potential negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine war.