Marco Rubio Engages in High-Stakes Diplomacy in Saudi Arabia Regarding Ukraine

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia for talks about Ukraine amidst President Trump’s considerations to unfreeze aid. The discussions from Monday to Wednesday will focus on resolving the Russia-Ukraine war. Key participants include Ukrainian President Zelensky and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, alongside Rubio’s engagement with G7 foreign ministers in Canada.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions regarding Ukraine, amid President Donald Trump’s deliberations on whether to lift an aid freeze to the country. The State Department confirmed Rubio’s participation in Group of Seven talks in Canada, marking his first high-level visit since Trump’s return. From Monday to Wednesday in Jeddah, Rubio will focus on advancing U.S. efforts to resolve the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, as stated by State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to attend the Jeddah meetings, alongside Trump’s confidant, Steve Witkoff. The backdrop of this diplomatic engagement includes Trump’s suspension of aid to Ukraine following a contentious February 28 meeting with Zelensky, where the latter departed without an agreement that Trump had demanded—namely, the transfer of Ukraine’s mineral wealth to the United States in exchange for military assistance.

Despite the strain, Zelensky has expressed readiness to sign the minerals deal and has sent a conciliatory letter to Trump, which the President referenced in his address to Congress. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, indicated that he would endorse the resumption of assistance contingent on Zelensky’s signing of the deal, although the final decision rests with Trump.

Reports suggest Trump is reluctant to restore aid solely based on the minerals agreement and seeks further assurances that Zelensky is prepared to make concessions to Russia. Meanwhile, European leaders are seeking alternatives to U.S. assistance, yet Zelensky maintains that American security guarantees are irreplaceable in negotiations with Russia, which continues its military assaults on Ukraine.

In addition to his discussions on Ukraine, Rubio is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. A key topic for Trump will likely include diplomatic recognition of Israel by Saudi Arabia, though such developments appear contingent upon achieving a resolution to the ongoing Gaza conflict. Rubio’s agenda also includes participation in Group of Seven foreign minister meetings in Quebec, where U.S. interests in peace and security will be further explored, despite underlying tensions with Canada.

In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia aims to facilitate discussions on the Russia-Ukraine conflict while assessing the prospect of resuming U.S. aid to Ukraine under President Trump’s conditions. With Zelensky’s potential concessions being central to these negotiations, the geopolitical landscape remains complex as the stakes for U.S. involvement in Ukraine and relations with Saudi Arabia play out in the wider context of international diplomacy. Rubio’s engagements in both Saudi Arabia and Canada will highlight the U.S. desire to reinforce its strategic partnerships, emphasizing the integral role of American foreign policy in global security matters.

Original Source: www.france24.com