U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine amidst potential changes to U.S. aid under President Trump. The visit will involve talks about ending the Russia-Ukraine war and preparation for the upcoming G7 meetings in Canada. Tensions over Ukraine’s mineral wealth and U.S. aid remain pivotal topics, as the geopolitical landscape shifts.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding Ukraine as President Donald Trump considers lifting a freeze on aid to the country. The State Department has confirmed that Rubio will also participate in Group of Seven (G7) discussions in Canada, making him the highest-ranking official to visit since Trump’s return, amid ongoing tensions in trade with Canada.
During his visit from Monday through Wednesday in Jeddah, Rubio will focus on advancing the president’s goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war, as stated by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. Notably, the phrasing around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has evolved under the current administration to avoid strong language.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the Jeddah meetings alongside Trump associate Steve Witkoff. The backdrop for this visit involves Trump halting aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine post a contentious meeting with Zelensky on February 28, during which tensions over aid and perceived ingratitude surfaced.
Following his previous meeting, Zelensky has expressed willingness to sign an agreement related to Ukraine’s mineral wealth, acknowledging that it could facilitate resumed assistance from the U.S. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, has indicated support for resuming aid once the agreement is finalized.
Meanwhile, contrary to Kellogg’s optimism, reports suggest Trump may require further assurances that Ukraine is prepared to make concessions to Russia before reinstating aid. European leaders are reportedly scrambling to provide support in lieu of U.S. assistance, while Zelensky underlines the critical need for U.S. security guarantees.
Despite ongoing conflict and Russia’s persistent attacks on Ukraine, including energy infrastructure, Trump has signaled a tough stance, including potential sanctions against Russia if it does not engage diplomatically. Rubio has previously met with his Russian counterpart in a break from Biden-era policy, highlighting possible economic cooperation that could follow the resolution of the ongoing conflict.
In Jeddah, Rubio is also scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss broader geopolitical matters. Particular attention is expected on Saudi Arabia’s potential recognition of Israel, although this remains contingent on achieving stability in Gaza, a priority for Witkoff during the trip. After Saudi Arabia, Rubio will travel to Quebec for G7 foreign ministers’ discussions, aimed at enhancing U.S. interests in global security and stability amidst existing strains in U.S.-Canada relations.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia and attendance at G7 talks address the critical situation in Ukraine amidst a potential shift in U.S. assistance under President Trump. With Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate and reassess agreements concerning mineral wealth, the outcome of these deliberations may significantly influence the dynamics between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia, all while navigating broader geopolitical interests in the region. The administration’s focus on stabilizing these relationships illustrates the complex interplay of diplomacy and national security in the current global landscape.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
