Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy postponed his scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia to avoid legitimizing a meeting held on Tuesday, as reported by two sources familiar with the matter to Reuters on February 18.
While speaking earlier that day in Turkey, Zelenskiy explained that he rescheduled his visit to Saudi Arabia, initially set for Wednesday, to March 10, stating that he wanted to avoid any possible "coincidences."
One of the sources noted, "(Ukraine) didn’t want to appear to give anything that happened in Riyadh any legitimacy."
During his time in Ankara, Zelenskiy mentioned that he had not been invited to the meeting between the delegations of top U.S. and Russian officials, including the foreign ministers of both countries. Both the United States and Russia confirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to end the conflict.
“We want no one to decide anything behind our backs… No decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war in Ukraine,” emphasized Zelenskiy.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who assumed office on January 20, has made repeated promises to swiftly achieve peace in the region. While advocating for immediate peace talks, remarks from his administration officials have cast doubt on his approach.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth informed NATO allies recently that Ukraine joining the alliance as part of a deal with Russia was unrealistic and that Kyiv's goal to restore its recognized borders was an "illusionary" aspiration.
Although Hegseth somewhat retracted his initial statements, concerns arose regarding potential U.S. decisions impacting Ukraine's future without its involvement.
The previous week, President Donald Trump engaged in separate phone conversations with Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading European allies of Kyiv to worry about being sidelined in any future peace negotiations.