How have the recent U.S.-Russia talks on Ukraine affected Ukraine's position in the conflict?

After three years of fighting resulting in thousands of casualties on both sides, recent diplomatic developments between the U.S. and Russia have significantly undermined Ukraine's hopes for the conflict's resolution. The talks held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia represent the first major diplomatic engagement between these powers since the conflict began in February 2022. The messaging from Washington appears to be weakening Ukraine's negotiating position, with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressing concerns about being excluded from discussions that will determine his country's future. These developments raise serious doubts about Ukraine's territorial goals and its agency in shaping the eventual outcome of the war, as external powers increasingly take control of the diplomatic process.