Ukraine excluded from US-Russia peace talks, sources confirm

Ukraine has not been invited to the upcoming US-Russia peace negotiations in Saudi Arabia, according to a senior Ukrainian government source. While US officials previously indicated that Kyiv would be involved, the absence of a delegation has raised concerns, especially as European leaders are set to meet separately in Paris. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that he will not accept any peace deal made without Ukraine's participation, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian involvement in negotiations. US officials, including Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, are set to engage with Russian representatives, marking a significant shift in diplomatic contacts between the two nations. However, some US officials downplayed the significance of the talks, suggesting that a formal negotiation process that includes Ukraine has yet to be established. The exclusion of Ukraine has prompted frustration among its leaders, who worry about being sidelined in critical discussions regarding their future.