US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting Saudi Arabia to discuss the Ukraine situation while Trump considers lifting an aid freeze. The goal is to facilitate discussions aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war. Zelensky’s potential agreement to terms may influence US support moving forward, amidst the complexities of international relations and ongoing conflicts.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding Ukraine amid President Donald Trump’s deliberation on whether to lift a freeze on aid to the country. This visit marks Rubio’s attendance at the Group of Seven (G7) talks in Canada, where he will be the highest-ranking official since Trump took office.
During his meetings in Jeddah from Monday to Wednesday, Rubio aims to explore strategies to support the President’s objective of resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized this initiative while avoiding the terminology of a Russian invasion used previously. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to be present, along with Trump’s advisor Steve Witkoff.
Following a contentious meeting on February 28, where Trump halted financial and intelligence support for Ukraine after perceiving a lack of gratitude from Zelensky, the situation remains tense. Zelensky left the White House without agreeing to a deal sought by Trump, which included relinquishing substantial mineral resources to the US in a bid to offset expenses incurred by American taxpayers. Nonetheless, Zelensky has expressed his willingness to sign the proposed minerals deal.
In the wake of this, Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, indicated support for renewing military assistance contingent upon Zelensky’s agreement to the terms. Reports suggest that Trump remains skeptical, requiring assurances that Zelensky is prepared to offer concessions to Russia. Meanwhile, European leaders are scrambling to mitigate the impact of reduced US aid, recognizing Zelensky’s assertion that Washington’s security guarantees are irreplaceable.
With Russia maintaining its aggressive stance against Ukraine, particularly targeting vital energy infrastructure, Trump has threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Russia unless it agrees to engage in diplomatic negotiations. Rubio previously met with his Russian counterpart in Saudi Arabia, indicating a thaw in high-level communication since Biden’s administration.
Rubio is also set to converse with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit. It is anticipated that Trump will advocate for Saudi recognition of Israel, though this goal seems distant while the conflict in Gaza persists. After his Saudi engagement, Rubio will proceed to Quebec for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting, where he will focus on advancing US priorities regarding peace, security, and strategic global cooperation.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia encompasses pivotal discussions on the Ukraine conflict amid the potential resumption of US support for Ukraine. As the situation evolves, Trump’s conditional approach to aid, Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate, and the diplomatic stances of Saudi Arabia and Europe will be integral to finding a resolution.
Original Source: www.france24.com
