US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine amid President Trump’s decision on an aid freeze. Meetings include talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focusing on ending the Russia-Ukraine war and promoting U.S. interests in global security.
On Sunday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a trip to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions regarding Ukraine, coinciding with President Trump’s contemplation concerning an aid freeze to the nation amidst its ongoing conflict. This visit was affirmed by the State Department, alongside his attendance at the upcoming Group of Seven talks in Canada, marking the first visit from a senior official since Trump resumed office.
During his stay in Jeddah from Monday to Wednesday, Rubio aims to explore initiatives to “advance the president’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war,” as stated by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce. In these discussions, the language traditionally used by the Biden administration will be notably absent. President Zelensky of Ukraine is confirmed to participate in the talks, as well as Trump’s advisor Steve Witkoff.
Trump’s previous suspension of aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine resulted from a disappointing meeting with Zelensky on February 28, leading to public disparagement directed towards the Ukrainian leader regarding his perceived lack of gratitude for the US’s previous support. Zelensky notably departed without agreeing to a contentious deal where Ukraine would yield significant mineral assets to the US, an arrangement promoted by Trump as a means of compensating American taxpayers.
In a recent development, Zelensky has expressed his willingness to finalize the minerals agreement and extended a conciliatory letter to Trump, which Trump shared during his Congressional address. Keith Kellogg, the US envoy concerning Russia and Ukraine, recently expressed support for resuming assistance contingent upon Zelensky’s acceptance of the deal, noting that the final determination rests with Trump.
Reports from NBC News suggest that Trump is unlikely to agree to restore assistance solely based on the minerals deal; he seeks assurances that Zelensky is prepared to make concessions to Russia. Meanwhile, European leaders are actively seeking alternatives to US aid, though Zelensky has indicated that Washington’s security assurances are irreplaceable in a potential deal with Russia.
With Russia continuing its offensive operations against Ukraine, including assaults on its energy sector, Trump has threatened to enhance sanctions against Russia. Last month, Rubio reestablished contact with his Russian counterpart, indicating a potential for future economic collaboration if hostilities cease. He will also meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a crucial diplomatic ally for the Trump administration.
Additionally, Rubio is anticipated to advocate for Saudi recognition of Israel, although substantial progress on this front appears unlikely until the Gaza conflict reaches a resolution. Following his discussions in Saudi Arabia, Rubio will proceed to Quebec for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, where he intends to promote U.S. interests focused on peace, security, strategic cooperation, and global stability, without addressing existing tensions with Canada.
In conclusion, Secretary Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia is pivotal for addressing U.S. relations with Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. His dialogues seek to assess Ukraine’s position regarding an aid deal while promoting U.S. interests on a global scale. Trump’s strategic choices regarding support to Ukraine and other diplomatic relations will continue to shape the region’s stability and the U.S.’s role in international affairs.
Original Source: www.swiowanewssource.com
