Zelenskyy’s Visit to Saudi Arabia: Diplomatic Efforts Amidst Conflict

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for discussions aimed at strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations following a previous contentious meeting. He will not directly meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who will instead confer with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The discussions will focus on restoring military aid to Ukraine in the context of ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, preceding a scheduled summit with American diplomats aimed at strengthening ties following a contentious meeting in Washington on February 28. Although President Zelenskyy will not meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, he will be engaging with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after the evening prayers marking the conclusion of the Ramadan fast.

Secretary Rubio will also be attending the summit, but his agenda does not include direct discussions with President Zelenskyy. The discussions led by Zelenskyy’s team will focus on restoring military aid and intelligence previously extended to Ukraine since Russia’s renewed invasion in 2022, with hopes of reviving favorable U.S. policies.

On his flight to Saudi Arabia, Secretary Rubio emphasized the need for dialogue about potential peace negotiations, acknowledging the significant suffering endured by the Ukrainian populace. He remarked, “They have suffered greatly and their people have suffered greatly. And it’s hard in the aftermath of something like that to even talk about concessions, but that’s the only way this is going to end and prevent more suffering.”

Meanwhile, Sir Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK Labour Party, communicated with President Trump about ensuring ongoing support for Ukraine. The discussions included affirmations of the UK’s commitment to facilitating a lasting peace and the continuation of U.S. aid, alongside updates on ongoing economic negotiations.

In response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, the European Union has recently agreed to enhance its defense initiatives and allocate extensive financial resources for security enhancements following shifts in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. Reports indicate that an existing pause on sharing U.S. intelligence, pertinent to offensive operations against Russia, remains active but may see advancements during the forthcoming Saudi talks.

In summary, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks a crucial opportunity for Ukraine to re-establish ties with the U.S., post a challenging previous meeting. Key objectives include restoring military assistance and engaging in potential peace discussions. The interactions reflect a significant international strategy amidst ongoing conflict, emphasizing the need for dialogue and collaborative efforts in seeking resolution and support.

Original Source: news.sky.com