Rubio Travels to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Aid and Diplomacy

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio heads to Saudi Arabia to meet Ukrainian officials and discuss U.S. aid, as President Trump considers ending an aid freeze. Rubio’s visit includes talks on advancing the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war and could influence broader geopolitical relations, including those with Saudi Arabia and Israel.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions with Ukrainian officials as President Donald Trump contemplates whether to end a freeze on aid to Ukraine. This trip, the first significant visit from a senior official since Trump’s return to power, also includes participation in Group of Seven negotiations in Canada.

In Jeddah, Rubio will engage in talks aimed at fulfilling President Trump’s objective of resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce emphasized that the discussions would avoid labeling the conflict as a Russian invasion. Both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump adviser Steve Witkoff are confirmed to attend.

The backdrop for Rubio’s visit includes Trump’s unilateral suspension of aid and intelligence support to Ukraine following an unsatisfactory meeting with Zelensky. Following that meeting, Zelensky faced criticism from Republican leaders regarding perceived entitlement over previous U.S. military support.

Zelensky has indicated willingness to sign an agreement concerning the transfer of Ukraine’s mineral resources to the United States as compensation for prior aid. Meanwhile, U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg expressed support for resuming aid contingent upon the signing of this deal with Zelensky, although final decisions rest with Trump.

Nonetheless, reports suggest that Trump may demand further concessions from Zelensky beyond just the mineral agreement before restoring support. This has prompted concern among European leaders who are exploring alternative avenues to compensate for the reduction in U.S. assistance, although Zelensky maintains that U.S. backing is irreplaceable in negotiations with Russia.

Following three years of conflict, Russia continues to assault Ukraine, specifically targeting its energy infrastructure. Additionally, Trump warned that he would impose stricter sanctions on Russia if it remains uncooperative. Rubio’s previous interactions with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia hint at potential discussions on economic collaboration pending the conclusion of hostilities.

In Jeddah, Rubio will also meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to bolster diplomatic ties. Furthermore, discussions may include urging Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, although such progress appears unlikely given ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Finally, Rubio is set to travel to Quebec for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting to advance U.S. interests in global peace and security.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia signifies a critical effort to address U.S. relations with Ukraine amidst an ongoing conflict with Russia. His discussions will focus on securing agreements that could lead to the resumption of U.S. aid, contingent on Ukraine’s concessions. The outcomes of these talks could potentially influence broader geopolitical dynamics, especially regarding U.S. and Saudi relations and the conflict in Gaza.

Original Source: www.france24.com