Zelenskyy did not exclude China's role in peace talks and issued a statement about meetings in Saudi Arabia

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not rule out the possibility of China's participation in peace talks. At the same time, he stressed that only those countries that can assume responsibility for security guarantees, assisting, ending Russian aggression, and investing in Ukraine's recovery should be at the negotiating table.

The Ukrainian leader said this during a video call with journalists on Monday, February 17, after a visit to the UAE. He was asked whether he was considering the possibility of involving China in the peace process, as well as about the talks in Saudi Arabia between representatives of the Russian Federation and the United States.

"Regarding China. Look, we have always said that we are ready to have the presence of serious players. But at this moment, those who are ready to take responsibility for security guarantees, assistance, stopping Putin, and investing in the restoration of Ukraine will be at the negotiating table," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Beijing has begun to show interest in increasing pressure on Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and Moscow to end the war.

The President reminded that an important meeting had recently taken place between Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. The head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak, also took part in the talks. Therefore, according to Zelenskyy, it is important to talk to the Chinese leadership and help put pressure on Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

"We see, I think, for the first time, China's interest," the head of state said.

In his opinion, the intensification of diplomatic processes is due to global changes and the need to speed up a peaceful settlement. Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine cannot be against the fact that countries, especially those from the Global South, are interested in helping Ukraine and strive to help end the war.

"So I think this is an important meeting. This meeting can be followed by a dialogue at another level," the Ukrainian leader emphasized.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine would not participate in the talks between the US and Russia that will take place in Saudi Arabia. He also emphasized that Kyiv does not recognize any agreements made without its participation.

"Ukraine did not know anything about it. Ukraine considers any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukraine to be ineffective. And we cannot recognize any things or any agreements about us without us. And we will not recognize such agreements," the president said.

In his opinion, these talks are likely to concern only bilateral issues between the United States and Russia, and the parties have the right to discuss them. At the same time, the president emphasized that such contacts had already taken place before, but only now were they openly discussed.

Zelenskyy also clarified that his official visit to Saudi Arabia, scheduled for February 18, is not related to the US-Russia talks.

The Ukrainian leader added that he is to meet with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman, so he will ask him about these talks.

In addition, Zelenskyy plans to discuss the issue of lower oil prices. He believes that US President Donald Trump has the greatest influence in this matter.

"I don't know who can reduce prices. I believe that President Trump has the greatest resource to do this, that he is the strongest in this area in the energy sector and has it in his hands. And I think that if he sets a goal, he will be able to do it," the Ukrainian president said.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, on Monday, February 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi. During the meeting, they had a meaningful conversation and signed important agreements.

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