U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met in the UAE as peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict are anticipated. Rubio has not disclosed specific meeting details, and discussions are expected to involve Russian officials. Zelenskyy expressed surprise over the planned talks and emphasized the need for Ukraine’s involvement, as European leaders stress security guarantees.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Saudi Arabia, joined by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Their visit coincides with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s trip to the UAE, both leaders gathering ahead of anticipated peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia against Ukraine. Details regarding specific meetings in Riyadh remain undisclosed by Rubio.
Reports from Russia’s Kommersant and Axios indicate that the discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also preparing to travel to Riyadh. In a CBS interview, Rubio remarked, “One phone call does not make peace. One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one, but I can tell you that Donald Trump is the only leader in the world that could potentially begin that process.” Furthermore, he emphasized the need for actionable steps toward peace, stating, “I said yesterday that ‘peace’ is not a noun, it’s a verb. It’s an action. You have to take concrete steps toward it.”
Rubio’s visit follows a conversation between Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, wherein both leaders indicated the initiation of negotiations and proposed a prospective in-person meeting in Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, President Zelenskyy expressed his confusion about the plans for Saudi talks, even though earlier communications had suggested an invitation for Kyiv. He stated, “I saw that someone said that there would be a meeting in Saudi Arabia. I do not know what it is.”
Currently in the UAE on a previously scheduled visit, Zelenskyy also intends to travel to Saudi Arabia and Turkey but has indicated he will not engage with U.S. or Russian officials during his travels. High-ranking European leaders at the Munich Security Conference have stressed the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in any discussions between Trump and Putin, noting that the European Union has not been included in these negotiations.
As some European leaders prepare for a crisis summit in Paris concerning security guarantees for Ukraine, clarity regarding Kyiv’s role and the involvement of European nations in forthcoming peace discussions remains elusive.
In conclusion, Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Zelenskyy’s trip to the UAE mark significant developments in the efforts to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders are engaging in dialogue amid expectations of peace talks, yet the absence of definitive participation from Ukraine and the EU raises concerns about inclusivity in these discussions.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
