Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia for crucial talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. His team aims to repair relations following a contentious previous visit to Washington. Discussions will focus on restoring military aid and potential peace negotiations amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Monday for a pivotal discussion with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, prior to a significant summit with U.S. officials. Although President Zelenskyy will not be present during the U.S.-Ukraine meetings, his delegation aims to mend relations after a contentious visit to Washington on February 28, which culminated in a dispute involving President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
The upcoming discussions are crucial as they pertain to military aid and intelligence previously extended by the United States to support Ukraine against Russia’s expansive invasion commencing in 2022. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived shortly after Zelenskyy, highlighted the urgency of evaluating Ukraine’s position and responses moving forward, underscoring the necessity of restoring dialogue to facilitate peace talks.
Secretary Rubio emphasized the desire to understand Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations, acknowledging the extensive cost and hardship experienced by the Ukrainian people throughout the conflict. He stated, “What we want to know is, are they interested in entering some sort of peace conversation… recognizing that it has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians.”
During these negotiations, Zelenskyy will be accompanied by key members of his administration, including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Rubio will steer the American delegation. While European support remains somewhat skeptical due to perceived exclusion from these discussions, the European Union has committed to amplifying its defense capabilities in response to changing U.S. policies.
Furthermore, White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff clarified that while there has been a pause on certain U.S. intelligence-sharing, defensive intelligence continues to be provided. A U.S. official indicated that opportunities to re-establish intelligence-sharing during the Saudi discussions could be forthcoming.
In conclusion, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a critical step in addressing military aid and intelligence relations with the United States. The discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. officials, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seek to assess Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations. This summit encapsulates a broader dialogue on Ukraine’s ongoing conflict and the international community’s role in facilitating a resolution amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
