Saudi Arab

Russia has expressed displeasure at not being invited to a meeting of international officials in Saudi Arabia to find a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine. The meeting, which aimed to agree on key principles for ending the 17-month conflict, was attended by senior officials from nearly 40 countries.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry criticized the meeting, stating that without Russia’s participation and considering its interests, it has no significance. Ajit Doval, also known as James Bond by Modi in India, participated in the meeting, stating that peace in Ukraine is necessary but Russia cannot be ignored. Doval suggested that Russia’s presence is crucial in the event of a proposal for Ukraine and that Russia’s friendship is as necessary for India today as it was before the war.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov criticized the meeting as a reflection of the West’s attempt to rally the Global South behind Zelensky’s position. While Western countries have largely supported Ukraine, many other countries have been reluctant to take sides, even as they seek an end to the conflict that has ravaged the global economy. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that by promoting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s peace formula, Ukraine and Western countries are trying to undermine other countries’ efforts to negotiate a peace deal.