Related Article: List: US and Russian officials join Trump and Putin for 'high stakes' meeting - cbs6albany.com - Friday, August 15, 2025, 3:27:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Target: President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and all U.S. officials participating in the Trump-Putin meeting
Goal: Ensure that all peace negotiations regarding Ukraine are transparent, inclusive, and center the voices of Ukrainian people and civil society.
We are deeply concerned that the upcoming meeting between President Trump and President Putin, described as 'high-stakes,' is proceeding without the participation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy or any representatives of Ukrainian civil society. The future of Ukraine should not be decided in a closed-door meeting between foreign powers, especially when the people of Ukraine are not at the table.
Peace and security in the region require transparency, accountability, and the direct involvement of those whose lives are most impacted by the conflict. We call on the U.S. delegation to uphold democratic values by ensuring that any negotiations or agreements about Ukraine are made openly and with the full participation of Ukrainian representatives.
We urge all parties to commit to a diplomatic process that respects Ukraine's sovereignty and the will of its people. Excluding Ukraine from these talks undermines the legitimacy of any potential ceasefire or peace agreement and sets a dangerous precedent for international relations.