Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia aims to discuss Ukraine’s aid amid Trump’s freeze and analyze the potential for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Key figures, including Zelensky and Witkoff, are expected to participate in talks, while an agreement regarding Ukraine’s mineral wealth may impact future U.S. assistance. Additionally, Rubio will attend G7 talks in Canada following his discussions in Saudi Arabia where broader regional issues, including relations with Israel, will be addressed.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding Ukraine, amidst considerations about an aid freeze imposed by President Donald Trump on the wartime partner. The State Department confirmed that Rubio is to participate in Group of Seven talks in Canada, marking his position as the highest-ranking official to visit since Trump returned to power.
During discussions in Jeddah, which will occur from Monday to Wednesday, Rubio aims to fulfill the president’s objective of concluding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as noted by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, are also expected to be present.
The U.S. aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine was suspended following a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelensky on February 28, where grievances regarding perceived ingratitude surrounding U.S. military support were raised. Zelensky’s previous refusal to sign a specific agreement asking Ukraine to transfer significant mineral wealth to the U.S. has contributed to the tension. However, Zelensky has since expressed willingness to sign the deal, sending a conciliatory letter to Trump read during his Congressional address.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, indicated Thursday that financial assistance may resume once Zelensky formalizes the agreement. Despite this, sources suggest Trump may require further concessions from Zelensky regarding Russia before releasing aid. European leaders, surprised by the U.S. position, are striving to replace U.S. funding, though Zelensky maintains that no alternative can match U.S. security assurances.
The conflict remains intense, with Russia continuing its military strikes, including targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Trump has warned of enforcing stricter sanctions against Russia should it refuse to engage in negotiations. Last month, Rubio met with his Russian counterpart to discuss potential economic cooperation contingent on the war’s resolution, with these talks also occurring in Saudi Arabia, a crucial diplomatic ally for Trump.
Rubio is also scheduled to confer with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, amid expectations that Trump will advocate for Saudi recognition of Israel—a complex issue tied to the resolution of the Gaza conflict, which Witkoff is focused on during his travels. Following his Saudi meetings, Rubio will proceed to Quebec for a Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting where he aims to advance U.S. interests in peace, security, and strategic cooperation. No mention was made regarding tensions with Canada, despite Trump’s previous scorn for the country as the “51st state.”
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia and subsequent participation in Group of Seven talks highlight the ongoing complexities of U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine and its relations with Russia. The need for concessions from Ukraine, expressed by both Trump and Kellogg, further complicates potential resumption of U.S. aid amidst continued military aggression from Russia. Aligning diplomatic efforts with regional allies and addressing tensions related to Israel will also be key focuses of Rubio’s discussions.
Original Source: www.communitynewspapergroup.com
