German Vice Chancellor Habeck on US-Russia talks: This is imperialism and treason. They can divide Ukraine
German Vice Chancellor and "Green Party" presidential candidate Robert Habeck has criticised the United States for holding bilateral talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's participation.
This was reported by Tagesschau, Censor.NET informs citing the "EP".
According to the publication, Habeck was outraged that the United States had started direct talks with Moscow over the war in Ukraine without involving either Kyiv or its European allies.
"What they are doing is imperialism. This is treason and imperialism," Habeck said.
In his opinion, such a policy may indicate an attempt by America and Russia to agree to ‘divide Ukraine’.
He also added that it is too early to discuss Germany as a potential contingent of allies within the framework of security guarantees for Ukraine.
"It is absurd to think that we will accept and provide anything that Russia and the US administration will present to us," Habeck concluded.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the talks were focused on bilateral relations between Washington and Moscow, so Ukraine was not invited. At the same time, he assured that the United States is not changing its policy towards Russia.
Meeting in Saudi Arabia
As a reminder, on February 12, 2025, Trump said that his meeting with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin would likely take place in Saudi Arabia.
Trump also said that a meeting between representatives of Ukraine, the United States, and Russia would take place in Saudi Arabia next week.
On February 14, the Saudi Foreign Ministry announced that the Kingdom was ready to host a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
On 18 February, delegations from the US and Russia met in Saudi Arabia.
Both sides described it as positive. The United States and Russia agreed to resume the full operation of the US embassies in Moscow and Russia in Washington. The key issue was to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Fox News reported that Russia and the United States are allegedly proposing a three-stage peace plan, including a ceasefire, elections in Ukraine, and then a final agreement.
Earlier, Bloomberg reported that Trump and Putin may hold a summit in Saudi Arabia next week.
