U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine and aid with President Trump considering lifting a freeze on support. His talks aim to advance U.S. objectives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while he will also meet with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and attend Group of Seven talks. Zelensky is reportedly willing to negotiate a minerals deal to accommodate U.S. taxpayer concerns.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials as President Donald Trump considers ending the freeze on U.S. aid to Ukraine. Rubio’s journey comes as the State Department confirmed that he would also attend Group of Seven talks in Canada, marking the highest-level official visit since Trump’s return. This visit takes place amidst heightened tensions due to Trump’s trade policies toward Canada and recent criticisms regarding its sovereignty.
During his discussions in Jeddah, which will run from Monday through Wednesday, Rubio aims to advance President Trump’s objective of resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce emphasized the focus of the talks while notably avoiding the phrasing of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. President Zelensky of Ukraine is expected to participate, alongside Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff.
The backdrop of Rubio’s visit includes Trump’s suspension of aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following an unsuccessful White House meeting with Zelensky. Trump’s administration criticized Zelensky for a lack of appreciation for the U.S. military support provided previously. Moreover, Zelensky has indicated his readiness to sign a contentious minerals deal, aimed at offsetting U.S. taxpayer costs for assistance extended under former President Biden.
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg indicated support for resuming assistance, contingent upon Zelensky’s signing of the mineral deal. However, sources suggest that Trump may require further concessions from Ukraine regarding Russia before reinstating aid. Concurrently, European leaders are striving to counterbalance the potential gap left by U.S. support, although Zelensky highlights the irreplaceable nature of U.S. security guarantees.
In his recent diplomatic engagements, Rubio has met with his Russian counterpart, indicating a thaw in relations that had been tense during the Biden administration. His upcoming meetings in Saudi Arabia will also include discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, wherein Trump is expected to advocate for the recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, Rubio’s participation in the G7 meeting in Quebec should align with enhancing U.S. strategic interests on the global stage.
Marco Rubio’s imminent visit to Saudi Arabia highlights significant diplomatic efforts to address the ongoing Ukraine conflict and considerations for U.S. aid. The talks seek to align U.S. foreign policy with evolving geopolitical dynamics in Ukraine and the Middle East. Furthermore, the complexities surrounding the minerals deal and the necessity of U.S. security guarantees underscore the challenges facing the Biden administration amidst Trump’s renewed influence.
Original Source: www.france24.com
