Staff Reports
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to postpone a trip to Saudi Arabia, proving once again that there is no more delicate dance in international diplomacy than the one being performed by world leaders trying to navigate the ongoing war in Ukraine. His decision to stay home can be interpreted as a clear message of disapproval towards the United States and Russia, who recently caught everyone off guard by holding secretive negotiations behind closed doors in Riyadh. Apparently, taking part in talks about Ukraine without Ukraine is like trying to plan a family reunion while forgetting to invite Uncle Joe.
Zelensky expressed his surprise at the U.S.-Russia meetings, claiming he didn’t want to lend them any legitimacy by appearing in Saudi Arabia during these negotiations. Who can blame him? The last thing Ukraine needs is to be portrayed as a passive bystander while world powers hash out its future without its input. It’s a bit like being left out of a sandwich-making contest, only to find out that your favorite sandwich is being served without your favorite toppings. Zelensky emphasized that discussions about ending the war in Ukraine should definitely involve, you know, Ukraine.
Zelensky Cancels Saudi Arabia Trip After Exclusion from U.S.-Russia Talks https://t.co/WDjufvDegv via @BreitbartNews
— Elena (@helen44767171) February 20, 2025
This whole “walking on eggshells” routine kicked off after a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who clearly has a vested interest in the situation but might have been just as confused by the Riyadh powwow as Zelensky was. While Erdogan pointed out that he supports former President Donald Trump’s initiative for a diplomatic resolution, it’s clear that the current administration’s approach is less about resolving conflicts and more about finding someone to blame. Meanwhile, Zelensky is left feeling like the third wheel at a dinner party for two superpowers, hoping they don’t toast to his demise.
The recent meeting in Riyadh included Secretary of State Marco Rubio—because nothing says “trustworthy diplomacy” like a meeting that seems to take everyone by surprise—and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both sides reportedly walked away pleased, signaling a moment of “mutual understanding,” which would seem comforting, but can always kick off a new round of talking heads on cable news speculating about backdoor deals. If one listens closely, it sounds a lot like the chatter you hear when kids in the schoolyard negotiate who gets to be team captain.
Amidst this geopolitical ballet, the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, has joined the fray by playing host and receiving some accolades for facilitating dialogue. However, the questions arise about who actually walks away with the prize in this game of chess. Will it be Russia? The U.S.? Or will Zelensky continue to feel like the reluctant guest at an exclusive event where the main topic of conversation is his fate? If he doesn’t get a seat at the negotiating table soon, it might be time for a diplomatic tantrum or, at the very least, a clever diplomatic memeing campaign. After all, the best way to make an impact in international relations these days sometimes seems to be through humor and viral content.
