During the Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski, visiting Ankara, answered media questions before leaving Turkey.

Zelenski stressed that the US making relations with Russia is their own decision. He remarked, “We observe that they are taking Putin out of political isolation, but that’s their decision, they are engaging.” Criticizing Ukraine’s absence in the negotiations for ending the war, Zelenski highlighted the importance of Ukraine’s presence at the negotiating table. He emphasized that Ukraine is the one suffering in the war, not Americans or Europeans.

Asserting that negotiations cannot be held without Ukraine, Zelenski firmly stated, “You can talk without us, but if you talk about us without us, we will not accept that.” Zelenski expressed his desire for President Trump to further support Ukraine, as many in the US, both Republicans and Democrats in the two-party system, are backing them. He underlined the need for Trump to fulfill his promise of ending the war, which Ukraine hopes to witness.

Zelenski emphasized that Ukraine is open to investments if its occupied territories are reclaimed and natural resources are safeguarded. He stressed that Ukraine does not want to be a raw material center for any continent, aiming to protect its land and interests.

During a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan yesterday, Zelenski indicated that they discussed the process to end the war, emphasizing the necessity of Turkey and Europe being present at the peace table. He underscored the importance of supporting international law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, lamenting the loss of lives and destruction caused by the conflict.

Expressing the urgency for the war to end soon, Zelenski stated, “We want a fair, lasting, sustainable peace. We do not want death to visit our land again. We do not want another Syria. All killers must be punished. One of the most important aspects in this regard is that we should advance with people and countries who can truly provide us with security guarantees.”