Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not necessarily need to participate personally in negotiations with the Russians to end the war. This was stated by American President Donald Trump. Quotes from his speech are provided by CBS News correspondent at the White House Jennifer Jacobs.
"I don't think it's very important for him to be at the meetings," she reports Trump's words about Zelensky.
According to Trump, the Ukrainian president was not invited to the meeting with the Russians in Saudi Arabia "because it wasn't a priority, as he has performed poorly in negotiations so far."
The journalist also cites a statement indicating Trump's disappointment over the failure to quickly conclude an agreement regarding Ukraine's mineral resources.
"Honestly, I would have preferred if he hadn't gone there. It was a useless trip," Trump said about U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who brought an American version of the resource agreement to Kyiv last week.
Peace Negotiations with the Russian Federation
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained why the meeting with the Russians in Saudi Arabia was necessary. According to him, there was no discussion of any details regarding a potential peace agreement. Instead, Washington wanted to determine how serious the Russians were about achieving peace.
We also reported that Russia might agree to transfer its frozen assets for reconstruction, but on the condition that part of the funds would be spent on restoring the occupied territories.