Trudeau says Ukraine must be included in negotiations after exclusion from U.S.-Russia talks

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has emphasized the importance of including Ukraine in peace negotiations following a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials to discuss a possible end to the conflict in eastern Europe. During a news conference, Trudeau stated that it is a fundamental principle for Canada and its allies to involve Ukraine in any discussions regarding its future.

The meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov, but notably excluded Ukrainian officials. This gathering came shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump’s conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which sparked concerns and raised questions about the direction of the conflict, particularly from Ukrainian leaders.

Trudeau reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine, highlighting the sacrifices made by Ukrainians to defend their sovereignty and the rules-based international order. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his disappointment at being left out of the talks by postponing a scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia. Reports indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had wanted Zelenskyy to participate in the discussions, but the U.S. and Russia preferred to meet without Ukrainian involvement.

Zelenskyy has made it clear that Ukraine will not accept any peace agreements negotiated without its participation. Other European leaders have also voiced concerns about being excluded from talks between Russia and the U.S. Trudeau is expected to join a virtual meeting with European heads of state to address the situation in Ukraine.

According to the UN human rights office, over 40,000 Ukrainian civilians have been injured or killed since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Despite Russia’s aggression, Trump appeared to blame Ukraine for the conflict during a press conference, suggesting that Ukraine should have made a deal to avoid the war.

Zelenskyy criticized Trump for living in a “disinformation space” created by Russia’s influence. Trudeau condemned Russia’s actions and reiterated Canada’s commitment to standing against Putin’s violations of the international order.

In conclusion, it is crucial to involve Ukraine in any discussions about its future and ensure that decisions are made with the country’s participation. The ongoing conflict in eastern Europe requires a coordinated and inclusive approach to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.