Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading to Saudi Arabia for U.S.-Ukraine peace talks amid efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. He will engage with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to bolster relations. Following this, he will attend the G7 meeting in Canada, where foreign ministers will discuss support for Ukraine and potential sanctions against Russia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday for critical U.S.-Ukraine discussions, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s initiative to expedite a resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. Rubio will engage with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud during this visit, enhancing bilateral relations and discussing mutual interests in the region, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
During a recent communication with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Rubio highlighted President Trump’s commitment to achieving a swift conclusion to the war, urging all parties to undertake measures that foster sustainable peace. On the same day, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, seeking further diplomatic engagement.
Following their meeting, a Ukrainian delegation, led by Zelenskyy’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak, will remain in Saudi Arabia for further discussions with U.S. officials, including Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and military commander Pavlo Palisa. Rubio will collaborate with U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, during these discussions aimed at establishing a peace framework and initial ceasefire.
These discussions occur shortly after prior talks between senior U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh. Ukraine has expressed its readiness for constructive dialogue with the U.S. and emphasizes the urgency of decision-making to catalyze peace efforts. President Zelenskyy stated on social media, “Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”
After concluding the talks in Saudi Arabia, Rubio will proceed to Charlevoix, Canada, to attend the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting from March 12 to 14. G7 foreign ministers previously reaffirmed their commitment to securing a durable peace and emphasized the necessity of robust security guarantees for Ukraine during discussions at the Munich Security Conference in February. They noted that further sanctions on Russia should be contingent upon the nation’s genuine progress towards ending the conflict.
In summary, Secretary Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia aims to facilitate discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine as part of a broader effort to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. His dialogue with regional leaders will focus on peace strategies and strengthening international relationships. Following these talks, participation in the G7 meeting will further reinforce the commitment to Ukraine’s security and diplomatic efforts against Russian aggression.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
