The change to the president’s travel plans was reported by Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter. "[Ukraine] didn’t want to appear to give anything that happened in Riyadh any legitimacy,

Saudi Arabia’s hosting of top American and Russian officials for a high-stakes rapprochement meeting underlines the kingdom’s aspirations to become a global actor capable of successfully mediating international conflicts.

The move comes as direct talks between the United States and Russia are ongoing in Riyadh. The Ukrainian President described the talks as a surprise to his country.