As the Ukraine-Russia war nears its three-year mark, speculation is mounting over a possible high-stakes meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and former U.S. President Donald Trump in Saudi Arabia. Zelensky is scheduled to visit Riyadh on February 19 as part of a long-planned diplomatic trip with his wife. His visit follows an important meeting between senior Russian and American officials, which is set to take place a day earlier. Reports suggest that Putin and Trump may also travel to Riyadh, raising the possibility of a significant dialogue on ending the prolonged war. However, Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will not accept any agreement made without its direct participation, reinforcing Kyiv’s stance on its sovereignty and decision-making power.
The upcoming discussions between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia signal a potential shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is scheduled to meet top American representatives, including Secretary of State Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. While details of their agenda remain unclear, the meeting is being viewed as part of broader attempts to restore U.S.-Russia relations while addressing the ongoing war. The involvement of Trump, a central figure in past U.S.-Russia negotiations, has added another layer of intrigue, fueling speculation about his role in future diplomatic efforts, especially with the U.S. presidential election on the horizon.
Despite these diplomatic maneuvers, Ukraine remains cautious. Zelensky has repeatedly emphasized that no country can negotiate Ukraine’s future without its direct involvement. He criticized past attempts at behind-the-scenes discussions, stating that any deal excluding Ukraine’s participation would be unacceptable. As global attention turns to Riyadh, the world waits to see if this potential meeting could lead to real progress in ending the devastating war or if it will become another failed attempt at diplomacy.
