Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed disappointment over Ukraine’s response to being excluded from recent peace talks aimed at ending Russia’s war in Ukraine. The talks, held in Saudi Arabia, included high-ranking American and Russian officials but did not extend an invitation to Ukrainian representatives.
Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Trump stated that the war could have been “settled very easily” and criticized Kyiv’s negotiation approach.
“I’m very disappointed. I hear they’re [Ukraine] upset about not having a seat [at the negotiating table]. Well, they’ve had a seat for three years and a long time before that. This could have been settled very easily,” Trump said.
He further claimed that a skilled negotiator could have resolved the conflict much earlier without significant territorial losses or destruction.
Trump also suggested that holding elections in Ukraine should be a condition for peace, arguing that the country has been under martial law and that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s approval ratings have dropped significantly.
“If Ukraine wants a seat at the table, wouldn’t the people have to say? It has been a long time since they had an election,” he added, insisting that this was not a demand from Russia but a broader international concern.
During the Saudi-hosted talks, U.S. and Russian officials reportedly reached agreements on restoring embassy staffing levels and forming a high-level diplomatic team to negotiate an end to the war. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for normal diplomatic relations with Moscow, hinting at possible economic cooperation should the war reach a resolution.
“Should this conflict come to an acceptable end, the incredible opportunities exist to partner with the Russians geopolitically and economically,” Rubio said.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov described the discussions as “very useful,” adding that American officials were beginning to “better understand” Russia’s position.
While peace talks continued without Ukraine, reports indicate that Kyiv is losing ground to Russian forces. Ukraine’s military has been struggling against a better-equipped Russian army, with frequent drone and missile attacks striking residential areas.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 176 Russian drones were launched in a single night, with several causing casualties and infrastructure damage. Despite defensive efforts, Ukraine remains vulnerable as Russian forces push forward.
Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks has raised concerns among its European allies, who fear that Washington and Moscow may pursue a settlement unfavorable to Kyiv. France convened an emergency meeting with European nations, including the UK, to discuss the situation.
The U.S. shift in diplomacy marks a significant change in its approach to the war, with efforts now seemingly focused on direct engagement with Russia rather than through Ukraine and its allies.
The Saudi-hosted meeting underscores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s growing diplomatic ambitions. Saudi Arabia has been involved in prisoner exchanges and previously hosted Zelenskyy for an Arab League summit. However, Zelenskyy postponed his upcoming visit to the country to avoid association with the U.S.-Russia talks.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine remains firm in its stance that no peace deal can be finalized without its direct participation. However, with growing international pressure and shifting alliances, Kyiv may have to navigate a complex political landscape in the coming months.
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