U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Saudi Arabia to discuss aid for Ukraine as President Trump reassesses previous aid suspensions. The talks will include discussions with Ukrainian President Zelensky, regarding a minerals deal essential to securing U.S. support, and with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Rubio’s agenda includes promoting U.S. interests in international peace and cooperation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding Ukraine amidst President Donald Trump’s evaluation of an aid freeze to the country. This trip marks Rubio as the highest-ranking official to engage in diplomatic talks since Trump’s administration resumed operations after a trade conflict with Canada. In Jeddah, from Monday through Wednesday, Rubio aims to advance U.S. objectives in ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as stipulated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the discussions, along with Trump advisor Steve Witkoff. Trump’s previous suspension of aid followed a contentious meeting with Zelensky, where the Ukrainian leader did not agree to deliver significant mineral resources to the U.S., a condition posed by Trump to offset previous aid. Shortly after, Zelensky indicated willingness to finalize this minerals deal and sent a letter to Trump to express his conciliatory stance.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, has stated his support for resuming aid contingent upon Zelensky signing the minerals agreement, although the final decision rests with Trump. Sources from NBC News report that Trump may seek further assurances from Zelensky regarding potential concessions to Russia before reconsidering the aid freeze. Meanwhile, European leaders are actively exploring alternatives to cover the absence of U.S. support, as Zelensky emphasizes the irreplaceable nature of U.S. security guarantees in negotiations with Russia.
Despite Russia’s ongoing assault on Ukraine’s infrastructure, including energy assets, Trump has threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Russia if diplomatic progress is not achieved. During his previous discussions in Saudi Arabia, Rubio broke a communication freeze with Russia, signaling a potential for economic cooperation should the conflict reach a conclusion. Additionally, he is expected to hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit.
Alongside these diplomatic efforts, Rubio plans to attend a Group of Seven meeting in Quebec, where his agenda will include promoting U.S. interests in peace and security. The spokeswoman notably avoided addressing recent tensions with Canada amid Trump’s previous rhetoric about the country, which suggests an underlying complexity in international relations as the U.S. pursues strategic goals.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia focuses on facilitating discussions regarding Ukraine amidst critical aid negotiations. Engaging directly with both Ukrainian leadership and Saudi officials, Rubio aims to strengthen U.S. strategic interests while addressing the ongoing conflict with Russia. With developments surrounding Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate and Trump’s conditions for aid resumption, the U.S. navigates a complex international landscape defined by cooperation and conflict resolution.
Original Source: www.france24.com
