Former U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested that Ukraine “could have made a deal” to prevent the ongoing conflict with Russia. His comments came after recent U.S.-Russia talks, which notably excluded Ukrainian representatives. This has sparked intense debate and concern among Ukrainian officials and Western allies, who fear the implications of such discussions for Ukraine’s sovereignty and future negotiations.

The talks, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These high-level discussions focused on diplomatic relations and post-war economic cooperation, signaling a shift in U.S. engagement with Russia. Reports indicate that both sides agreed to establish teams for continued negotiations and future collaborations, raising questions about whether the U.S. is reconsidering its stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Trump’s remarks have further fueled speculation about the U.S. approach, particularly given that Ukraine was not invited to the discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly criticized the exclusion, emphasizing that any peace negotiations must involve Ukraine directly. He reiterated that Ukraine, as the country most affected by Russia’s invasion, should be at the center of any diplomatic efforts. European leaders have also voiced concerns, fearing that potential compromises between the U.S. and Russia could come at Ukraine’s expense.

Despite the controversy, the U.S. administration has maintained that future negotiations will include Ukraine and key European nations. Officials have insisted that these initial talks were exploratory and do not indicate a shift away from supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty. However, many in Kyiv and across Europe remain wary, questioning whether these discussions suggest a softening of the U.S. position on Russia.

Adding to the uncertainty, Trump has called for new elections in Ukraine, citing concerns over the legitimacy of Zelensky’s leadership under martial law. He argued that a new government in Kyiv could help facilitate diplomatic resolutions, a position that has been met with sharp criticism from Ukrainian officials and pro-Ukraine Western allies. Zelensky’s government has rejected these remarks, stating that Ukraine’s leadership remains democratically elected and internationally recognized.

As the situation develops, the global community is closely monitoring how these negotiations unfold. While the talks may signal a diplomatic opening, many fear they could also set a precedent that weakens Ukraine’s position in future peace agreements. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Ukraine remains central to negotiations or if major powers will dictate terms without its direct involvement.