Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the recent talks in Saudi Arabia between U.S. and Russian officials helped Vladimir Putin emerge from years of political isolation.
The Ukrainian leader said this during a press briefing on Wednesday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
“The fact that they are discussing their bilateral issues in Saudi Arabia — I’ve said before, that is their right. However, I believe that the United States has helped Putin break out of years-long isolation,” Zelensky said.
He also stressed that Russia is increasingly being portrayed as a “victim” in this war.
“The narrative that 90% of all assistance comes from the United States. […] We understand the truth is a bit different, though of course, we are grateful for the support. But I would like to see more truth from Trump’s team. Because all of this is not benefiting Ukraine — it is helping bring Putin out of isolation. I think Putin and the Russians are quite pleased because matters are now being discussed with them, and yesterday there were already signals that they were being treated like a ‘victim.’ This is something new,” Zelensky said.
He also found it troubling that the term “conflict” was used to describe Russia’s war against Ukraine.
“If Secretary [of State Marco] Rubio is officially referring to this as a ‘conflict’ — this is what I have been shown (this information) needs verification — then that is a softening of their stance,” Zelensky said.
He added that this is not the first time he has had to clarify to U.S. politicians that what is happening between Ukraine and Russia is a war, not just a conflict.
On February 18, U.S. and Russian delegations met in Saudi Arabia for negotiations. The American delegation included Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Representing Russia were Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Putin’s aide Yuri Ushakov, and the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev.
President Zelensky also stated that Putin fears direct negotiations with Ukraine, seeing them as a sign of weakness and defeat. On February 17, he emphasized that Ukraine will not recognize any outcomes of the Saudi Arabia talks if it is not involved in the discussions.
Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine
Source: Zelensky on meeting in Saudi Arabia: U.S. helped Putin break years of isolation
