Zelensky Opts Out of Upcoming Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that he will not be attending the anticipated peace negotiations involving Ukraine and the United States, set to take place in Saudi Arabia next week. Instead, the delegation representing Ukraine will include prominent figures such as Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff; Andrii Sybiha, the Foreign Minister; Rustem Umerov, the Defence Minister; and Pavlo Palisa, the Deputy Head of the Presidential Office.
Zelensky expressed Ukraine’s commitment to fostering a constructive dialogue as the country prepares for diplomatic discussions with the US in Saudi Arabia. While he confirmed a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he emphasized that he would not personally engage in talks with the American delegation.
Recent Attacks on Ukraine
In a tragic turn of events, at least 11 individuals lost their lives and over 30 were injured, including five children, following a series of overnight assaults from Russian forces on Ukraine’s eastern city of Dobropillia. Additionally, three civilians were killed and seven others injured in a drone attack targeting the Kharkiv region in northeastern Ukraine.
International Reactions and Political Statements
In a pointed remark directed at former President Donald Trump, Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that the ongoing strikes in Ukraine are a direct consequence of appeasing “barbarians.” This statement follows Trump’s recent comments suggesting a peace deal with Russia, where he remarked, “I think we’re doing very well with Russia,” while noting the increasing difficulty in dealing with Ukraine.
These comments were made in conjunction with a televised conversation in the Oval Office, where Trump and US Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky, labeling him as ungrateful and disrespectful.
Global Support for Ukraine
On another front, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer welcomed Australia’s commitment to consider joining a coalition of nations supporting Ukraine. This follows a recent call between Starmer and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, as Britain continues its diplomatic efforts towards a peace agreement in the region.
Meanwhile, British and French officials are actively working to establish a coalition of countries willing to support a peace agreement. In Germany, Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has urged the formation of a coalition government by Easter, warning that it is “five minutes to midnight” for Europe to prepare itself against a belligerent Russia, especially with the current US administration under Trump no longer viewed as a reliable ally.
Military Developments
In a significant military development, a tank at Russia’s Kirishi oil refinery, one of the largest in the nation, was reportedly damaged by debris from a substantial Ukrainian drone assault, according to the governor of the Leningrad region.
A rally was held by Ukrainians outside the US embassy in Kyiv, protesting Trump’s policies regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The protests followed the Trump administration’s recent decision to halt intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that had previously allowed Ukrainian forces to anticipate enemy movements. This led to a series of massive missile strikes from Russia shortly thereafter. Additionally, Trump suspended all aid to Ukraine earlier this week.
Calls for Increased Support
Ben Wallace, who served as the British Defence Secretary at the beginning of the war in 2022, criticized Trump’s actions, stating they are suffocating the hope that Ukraine can either resist or negotiate with Putin. He highlighted the importance of hope in such conflicts, asserting that Ukraine has a chance to prevail if it can endure for 18 months until Russia’s economy falters. This will necessitate substantial support from its allies to compensate for the US’s withdrawal.
Mark Rutte, the NATO Secretary General, emphasized the need for Europe to bolster its defense spending. In an interview with the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, he noted, “We also need to quickly ramp up our defense production on both sides of the Atlantic,” highlighting the urgent requirement for ammunition, ships, tanks, jets, satellites, and drones. He lamented, “For far too long, we have produced far too little.”
Echoing this sentiment, Kaja Kallas, the EU foreign policy chief, asserted that Putin “has no interest in peace,” urging Europe to enhance its military support for Ukraine.
