How did the U.S. delegation respond to accusations that they bypassed Ukraine and Europe in negotiations with Russia?

The delegation stated that while Ukraine wasn't included in this initial meeting, future negotiations would certainly involve Ukraine when they reach substantive discussions. However, this response was insufficient for President Zelensky, who postponed his own scheduled meeting in Saudi Arabia, insisting on having a seat at the table from the very beginning of any talks. The delegation also acknowledged that Europeans would need to be involved at some point in the process, particularly because of their significant sanctions against Russia. This signals a recognition that while the U.S. initiated these talks, any comprehensive peace process would require the participation of both Ukraine and European allies.