U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Saudi Arabia for talks on Ukraine amid President Trump’s reconsideration of military support. Discussions will focus on agreements between the U.S. and Ukraine, with significant players including President Zelensky and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump expresses tentative hope for progress while emphasizing Ukraine’s need for commitment to peace.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed on Sunday for Saudi Arabia to hold discussions regarding Ukraine, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s decision on the suspension of military and intelligence support to Ukraine. Following his meetings in Saudi Arabia, Rubio is set to attend Group of Seven (G7) talks in Canada – marking his position as the first high-ranking U.S. official to visit since Trump’s return to the presidency.
In three days of discussions in Jeddah, Rubio aims to strategize on advancing President Trump’s objective to conclude the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce specified that this crisis should not be labeled as a “Russian invasion of Ukraine,” contrasting with the terminology used by the previous administration and allied nations. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend these talks, along with Steve Witkoff, a confidant of Trump.
Trump expressed hope for a favorable outcome from the discussions in Saudi Arabia, affirming confidence in the capabilities of participants. He stated, “I think we are going to have a good result in Saudi Arabia… I think some very big things could happen this week. I hope so.” Recently, Trump suspended military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after an unsuccessful meeting with Zelensky, denouncing perceived ingratitude regarding previous U.S. aid.
Zelensky previously refrained from signing a proposed agreement that would provide the U.S. access to much of Ukraine’s mineral wealth. However, he has recently indicated readiness to sign the deal. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy, stated that aid resumption would follow once the deal is signed, though the final decision lies with Trump, who remains skeptical about Ukraine’s commitment to peace.
European leaders are exploring alternatives to replace U.S. aid, while Zelensky has emphasized the indispensable nature of U.S. security guarantees in negotiations with Russia. Meanwhile, Russia continues its military action against Ukraine, intensifying attacks on essential infrastructure, with Trump hinting at potential sanctions against Russia should it fail to engage in negotiations.
Rubio’s earlier discussions with his Russian counterpart signal a thawing of relations, as they discussed economic cooperation contingent upon the resolution of the conflict. Furthermore, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit to Saudi Arabia, with Trump advocating for Saudi Arabia’s recognition of Israel, a proposal complicated by ongoing tensions in the region. Subsequently, Rubio will travel to Quebec for G7 foreign ministers’ meetings, focusing on U.S. interests in peace, security, and global stability, amidst ongoing trade tensions with Canada.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia emphasizes the critical U.S. engagement in seeking resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. The discussions will address military aid and diplomatic relations, with Trump expressing tentative optimism for a positive outcome. As international leaders navigate the complexities of these negotiations, the insistence on U.S. security guarantees remains central to Ukraine’s strategy against Russia. This visit not only indicates a significant diplomatic effort but also reflects the shifting dynamics under President Trump’s leadership.
Original Source: www.insidenova.com
