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USA TodayAug 03, 2023
Saudi Arabia to Host Ukraine Peace Summit, Russia Excluded
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Image copyright: Ukraine's Presidential Press Office
The Facts
Saudi Arabia will next month host a Ukrainian-organized summit aimed at bringing Ukraine's war with Russia to a close, multiple reports confirmed over the weekend.
According to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the plans, talks will be held in the city of Jeddah on Aug. 5 and 6, and will involve senior diplomats from up to 30 nations including the US, UK, Poland, Egypt, Mexico, and Zambia. Officials with knowledge of the plans have said Russia will not be involved.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
Ukraine has never refused to negotiate with Russia, but before dialogue can begin, Moscow must first return all of Ukraine's occupied lands, pay compensation for the damage caused by the war, and be prosecuted for the war crimes it has committed. Only then can it meaningfully engage in the peace process.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia has consistently been open to negotiations with Ukraine. In fact, a draft agreement was previously reached, but after Russia withdrew from Kyiv to facilitate the deal, Kyiv abandoned the process and outlawed the possibility of future talks with Russia. If Ukraine wants peaceful negotiations, the ball is in its court.
