Link to article:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/17/ukraine-russia-saudi-arabia-talks-peace-deal-zelenskyy-eu
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy rejected peace talks between the U.S. and Russia happening in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine’s involvement stating no deal about Ukraine should be made without them. The talks, quickly arranged after a Trump-Putin call could lead to a future Trump-Putin summit. High-ranking U.S. and Russian officials are attending but Europe is excluded causing frustration among European leaders. While Trump’s envoy to Ukraine will visit Kyiv it’s unclear what peace plan is being proposed. Russia refuses to make territorial concessions, and discussions mainly focus on how to start negotiations rather than reaching an immediate deal.
This article shows how big countries are making decisions about Ukraine without letting Ukraine or Europe join in. That’s risky because history shows deals like this don’t last. Trump seems to want a quick fix, maybe for political reasons, but leaving out important players could backfire. Russia isn’t willing to give up land, and Europe is annoyed about being left out, which could cause problems between allies. If Ukraine gets pushed into a bad deal, the war might drag on instead of ending. It also sets a bad example where powerful countries decide things for smaller ones without their say.
This situation shows how global power is shifting in a multipolar world where multiple countries not just one superpower influence decisions. The U.S. and Russia are discussing Ukraine’s future without Ukraine or Europe. This approach is different that what the united states have tried. Going after the attacker to try and find a peace deal rather than just feuling ukraine seems like a cheaper option and more peaceful. which is risky because history shows deals like this don’t last. In a true multipolar system all key players should be involved but this approach feels more like big powers making decisions for smaller ones. If Trump pushes for a quick deal without Ukraine’s full input it could weaken alliances frustrate Europe and set a bad example where powerful nations decide the fate of others risking a longer messier war.