Zelenskyy does not participate in peace talks with the US team

(CLO) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that he will not participate in peace talks on the conflict with Russia organized by the US in Saudi Arabia next week.

Instead, negotiators for Ukraine will include Mr Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Deputy Chief of Staff of the President Pavlo Palisa.

Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was "fully committed to constructive dialogue" ahead of diplomatic talks with the US in Saudi Arabia next week. The Ukrainian president confirmed he would meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman but would not personally attend talks with the US team.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Photo: Facebook/zelenskyy.official

The Ukrainian president's comments came after Mr Trump commented on the peace deal on Friday: "I think we're doing very well with Russia", but he "finds it more difficult to deal with Ukraine".

On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed a pledge from Australia to “consider contributing to a coalition of the willing for Ukraine”. He held a call with his Australian counterpart, Anthony Albanese, in an effort to push diplomacy for a peace deal in Ukraine.

Over the weekend, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also had a phone call with his French counterpart Jean-Noël Barrot about ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, according to a statement from the US State Department on Friday.

During the conversation, Mr. Rubio emphasized President Donald Trump's determination to achieve a lasting and just peace through negotiations. He also affirmed that the United States will continue to cooperate with France to achieve this goal.

Earlier, French President Emmanuel Macron met with President Trump at the White House. The US President has stated his desire to end the war in Ukraine. Mr. Trump has also repeatedly emphasized that Europe needs to take more responsibility for its own security.

Last week, Mr. Trump halted military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine in an effort to pressure Kiev into accepting a ceasefire, a move that followed a tense meeting between him and President Zelenskyy in the Oval Office.

While European leaders continue to back Mr. Zelenskyy, they must weigh their approach to Mr. Trump’s strategy for war and European security.

Mr Trump also said he was considering imposing comprehensive sanctions, including banking sanctions and tariffs on Russia, until a ceasefire and peace deal with Ukraine is reached.

Ngoc Anh (according to Inews, Reuters, Strait Times)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ong-zelenskyy-khong-tham-gia-dam-phan-hoa-binh-voi-nhom-cua-my-tai-a-rap-xe-ut-post337606.html