Marco Rubio and Volodymyr Zelenskyy Engage in Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Peace Talks on Ukraine

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visited the UAE, with anticipated peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict. Rubio emphasized the complexity of achieving peace and the need for concrete actions. Zelenskyy expressed surprise at the planned negotiations, reinforcing Ukraine’s critical role amid uncertain European involvement.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) late Sunday, coinciding with anticipated peace talks aimed at resolving Russia’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Rubio is joined in Riyadh by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, yet has not publicly shared the specifics of his meeting agenda.

Reports from Russia’s Kommersant newspaper and U.S. outlet Axios have indicated that discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly preparing to visit Riyadh to participate in these negotiations. During an appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Rubio noted, “One phone call does not make peace.” He emphasized the need for proactive measures, stating, “I said yesterday that ‘peace’ is not a noun, it’s a verb. It’s an action. You have to take concrete steps toward it.”

Rubio’s diplomatic visit follows a recent conversation between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, wherein both leaders agreed to commence negotiations immediately and expressed desires for a face-to-face meeting in Saudi Arabia. Regarding the planned discussions, Zelenskyy expressed his surprise during the Munich Security Conference, amidst claims that Kyiv had received an invitation to participate.

Zelenskyy, who was in the UAE for an already scheduled visit, indicated aspirations to also travel to Saudi Arabia and Turkey; however, he does not aim to meet with U.S. or Russian representatives. Leading European officials attending the Munich conference have reiterated the necessity for Ukraine’s involvement in any negotiations between Trump and Putin as it has become increasingly unclear what role Kyiv and European nations will have moving forward. Concurrently, some European leaders are set to gather in Paris for an emergency summit addressing security assurances for Ukraine.

In summary, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Riyadh and President Zelenskyy’s trip to the UAE herald expected peace discussions aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine. Both leaders are navigating complex diplomatic waters, with calls for Ukraine’s involvement becoming crucial amidst ongoing international negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with key roles for European nations also under consideration as the peace talks progress.

Original Source: www.politico.eu