RIYADH — Despite initial reports that Ukraine would not be represented at the negotiations with Russia, a last-minute decision was made to allow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the peace talks under the condition that he sit at the kiddie table.
While the U.S. delegation had previously been informed that Ukraine would not be participating and would not accept any deals made in their absence, Zelenskyy sent an urgent message requesting to be allowed to be a part of the discussion. A kiddie table was then made available to accommodate the request.
“This was the only realistic way to have a place where he could sit,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “Our goal is to reach a peace agreement that is acceptable to all sides, but that can’t happen when one of the parties involved in the negotiations can barely see over the big people’s table. It is the policy of the United States that the kiddie table is the best place for President Zelenskyy moving forward.”
When reached for comment on the condition, Zelenskyy expressed a willingness to do whatever it took to gain a seat in the room. “If kiddie table is what is required, so be it,” he told reporters. “Some may see it as a slight aimed at me, but in all honesty, it’s nice to finally have a table that’s more my size.”
At publishing time, peace talks had reportedly been delayed while the delegations waited for Zelenskyy to be brought his juice box and goldfish crackers.
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