Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Saudi Arabia to discuss peace talks for Ukraine, as Trump deliberates on resuming military aid. Talks in Jeddah will involve key Ukrainian officials, indicating readiness for negotiations. Trump expressed optimism about potential outcomes, contingent on Zelensky signing a minerals deal. European leaders are seeking alternatives to U.S. aid, highlighting its importance in Ukraine’s negotiations with Russia.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio embarked on a trip to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials, following President Donald Trump’s consideration of resuming military and intelligence support for Ukraine. This marks Rubio’s first major visit abroad since Trump assumed office again, amid previous tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, including a trade war and disputes over sovereignty.
In Jeddah, Rubio is expected to engage in talks spanning three days, focusing on advancing U.S. initiatives to conclude the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce. He will collaborate with Trump’s National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, along with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s national security advisor and other key Ukrainian ministers.
A senior State Department official expressed optimism regarding these high-level discussions, indicating that Ukraine appears willing to negotiate. Meanwhile, President Zelensky is anticipated to be in Saudi Arabia but not participating directly in the Jeddah meetings. President Trump spoke positively about potential outcomes from the Saudi talks, expressing hope for significant developments in U.S.-Ukraine relations.
Trump previously froze military assistance to Ukraine following a challenging meeting with Zelensky in late February, during which Zelensky did not accede to Trump’s demands for a minerals deal that would have seen Ukraine relinquish much of its mineral wealth to the U.S. Zelensky later conveyed his willingness to sign the agreement and communicated conciliatory sentiments to Trump.
Keith Kellogg, U.S. special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, indicated a readiness to support the resumption of aid contingent upon Zelensky’s agreement to the minerals deal; however, the final decision lies with Trump. Reports suggest Trump seeks further guarantees beyond the minerals agreement and contends that Ukraine needs to demonstrate a commitment to peace.
European leaders are reportedly striving to compensate for the absence of American aid, though Zelensky has highlighted the irreplaceable nature of U.S. security guarantees in negotiations with Russia. Rubio previously met with his Russian counterpart, signaling a new chapter in U.S.-Russia relations and the potential for future economic cooperation post-conflict.
Additionally, Rubio is scheduled to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and discussions regarding Saudi recognition of Israel are anticipated, although this matter may be contingent on developments concerning the Gaza conflict. Following his visit to Saudi Arabia, Rubio will attend the Group of Seven foreign ministers meeting in Quebec, focusing on advancing U.S. interests in peace and stability on a global scale.
In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia aims to facilitate dialogue regarding peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia. With essential discussions planned, significant steps towards resuming U.S. support for Ukraine hinge on Zelensky’s agreements to certain conditions deemed necessary by the Trump administration. The geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, reflecting the critical nature of U.S. involvement in international security and diplomatic relations.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
