Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that his government was caught off guard by a Russia-US meeting in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, as they learned of it only through the media.

Speaking at a news conference in the Turkish capital alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Zelenskyy said: "The Russia-US meeting (in the Saudi capital Riyadh) was a surprise to us. We learned about it from the media.”

Touching on bilateral ties, Zelenskyy stressed that Turkish-Ukrainian relations are at a high level, as always, thanking the Turkish president and people.

He also underlined that Türkiye has taken a very principled stance on Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty amid the ongoing war, which began nearly three years ago.

Zelenskyy added that Ankara has facilitated the release of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians.​​​​​​​

The Ukrainian president noted that his newly appointed Ambassador to Ankara Neriman Celal had also been held captive for three years.

Calls for global participation in peace negotiations

He emphasized the need for the EU, Türkiye, the UK and the US to be involved in negotiations to secure guarantees for the Russia-Ukraine war.

He underscored the importance of ensuring that the war concludes with a reliable and lasting peace, warning against mistakes in the process. “If these negotiations are fair, and if Ukraine, the US, and Europe are at the table, these guarantees will be developed with the participation of all these countries. Of course, Türkiye is among them.”

Touching on discussions about Ukraine-Türkiye relations, Zelenskyy said, “We have new bilateral agreements. Additionally, there is an issue concerning Ukrainian orphaned children. Unfortunately, this war has taken their parents away, and now these children are under Türkiye's protection. This is one of the projects led by first lady Olena Zelenska. She is working on this initiative together with first lady Emine Erdogan.”

Highlighting the collaboration between the two countries, he said: "We are working alongside Türkiye and our other partners to counter the weaponization of hunger, which is affecting millions of people in the Middle East and Africa. Syria is an example of this. There is a real opportunity for stability and peace there, but we must support the Syrian people."

US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia

Following his speech, Zelenskyy responded to questions from the media.

Reaffirming Ukraine's desire to see the war end under just conditions, he stressed that any resolutions must include Ukraine’s participation.

Referring to recent talks between US and Russian officials, he said, "I don’t know who will stay or who will leave. Frankly, I’m not very interested."

He added that he had deliberately decided not to visit Saudi Arabia immediately to avoid sending the wrong message.

Zelenskyy confirmed that his visit to Saudi Arabia is scheduled for March 10, adding, "As for the US, we are waiting for them in Kiev.”

He said. "In my opinion, as of today, it is quite clear that no side can win this war on the battlefield with weapons," explaining that while Russia wants to win, it has been unable.

He highlighted the heavy sacrifices Ukraine has made to protect its independence and stressed the need for a transition to diplomacy -- one that should lead to a fair peace.