Pakistan, March 25 -- On Monday, U.S. and Russian officials convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to negotiate a 30-day ceasefire for the Black Sea: a vital corridor for Ukraine's grain exports and a linchpin in global food security. Yet, Ukraine's conspicuous absence from these discussions underscores a troubling reality: a truce reached without its direct involvement risks becoming yet another hollow gesture in a long history of broken promises.

President Zelensky has been unequivocal in his stance: any ceasefire must be genuine and inclusive. "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine" is not just a slogan; it is a principle that must guide all diplomatic efforts if the sovereignty and future of the nation are to be respected. However, the du...