On Monday, Ukraine formalized an economic cooperation agreement with the UAE, marking the establishment of free trade, as announced by President Zelenskyy. He also shared plans to visit Turkey on Tuesday, coinciding with anticipated discussions between Russia and the U.S. in Riyadh, with Zelenskyy expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia the following day.

“My visits are completely independent of those discussions. However, upon my arrival in Saudi Arabia, I intend to inquire with His Majesty about the details of the talks,” Zelenskyy remarked.

He reflected on the previously held belief that communicating with an aggressor during wartime was inappropriate, yet noted that discussions about the necessity to resume negotiations have been ongoing for a considerable time.

Zelenskyy expressed his support for European leaders’ involvement in the negotiations along with any party willing to offer Ukraine genuine security assurances and exert pressure on Putin for a peaceful resolution.

Nonetheless, both Moscow and Washington have rejected the notion of European participation in these talks.

“I do not see the rationale for European nations to take part in negotiations regarding Ukraine,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Monday.

The upcoming U.S.-Russia meeting will primarily focus on restoring the comprehensive framework of Russian-American relations, as noted by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. “Additionally, it will address preparations for potential negotiations aimed at resolving the situation in Ukraine and organizing a meeting between the two presidents,” Peskov added.