U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio seeks to resolve the pause in Ukraine aid during discussions with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He emphasizes listening to potential concessions from Ukraine, stating that there is no military solution to the war. While discussions may touch upon mineral resources, they are not the main agenda. Cooperation among allies is highlighted as essential for progress.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that discussions are anticipated to clarify the pause in aid to Ukraine during his meetings with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He expressed that the U.S. is currently in a listening mode to comprehend the concessions Ukraine may potentially offer during the negotiations. Rubio emphasized the importance of these talks, indicating that the resolution of the aid pause is contingent on the outcomes of forthcoming discussions.
Rubio informed reporters that the United States is not contemplating the formal drawing of strategies but rather aims to grasp what concessions could be feasible from the Ukrainian side. He remarked, “The Ukrainians are already receiving all defensive intelligence information as we speak” and affirmed there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict, stressing the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to undertake challenging decisions.
On the same day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) held a separate meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Riyadh. Rubio, alongside U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz, is set to convene with Ukrainian officials, including Zelenskyy’s chief of staff and the Foreign and Defense Ministers, in Jeddah to discuss ending the conflict promptly, a priority underscored by President Donald Trump.
Amid discussions, Trump has suggested potentially linking continued military support to access Ukraine’s natural resources, vital to the U.S. economy. Ukraine is rich in essential minerals such as uranium, lithium, and titanium. However, Rubio clarified that securing a mineral agreement will not be the focal point of Tuesday’s meetings, stating, “It’s an important topic, but it’s not the main topic on the agenda.”
In earlier comments, Rubio acknowledged the positive influence of Britain and France in the discussions with Ukraine, while he noted there have been no conversations regarding China’s involvement in postwar peacekeeping in Ukraine. This visit to Saudi Arabia marks Rubio’s second since assuming his office, following previous discussions with Russian officials earlier this year, and he is scheduled to visit Canada for additional meetings shortly after.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s discussions in Saudi Arabia aim to address the halt in U.S. aid to Ukraine. By engaging with key Ukrainian officials, Rubio underscores the necessity of understanding possible concessions. While discussions regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources are noteworthy, they are not the primary focus of the meeting. Cooperation with allies and navigating complex diplomatic matters remain critical for achieving a lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
