Rubio Engages in U.S.-Ukraine Talks in Saudi Arabia, Prepares for G7 Meeting

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia for talks focused on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, seeking to establish a peace framework. His discussions will include meetings with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Following Saudi Arabia, Rubio will attend the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada, where the ministers reaffirm their commitment to aiding Ukraine’s pursuit of durable peace and security guarantees.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday for discussions with Ukrainian officials, amidst efforts led by President Donald Trump to facilitate a rapid conclusion to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In addition to these negotiations, Rubio is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to explore avenues for strengthening U.S.-Saudi relations and addressing regional interests, as stated by State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

The State Department has shared that Rubio emphasized President Trump’s commitment to achieving a swift resolution to the conflict during a recent call with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, highlighting the necessity for all parties to take measures toward establishing a sustainable peace. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Saudi Arabia on Monday, engaging in discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Subsequently, a delegation from Ukraine, led by Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, will participate in further discussions with U.S. officials. This Ukrainian team is set to include Foreign Minister Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and military commander Pavlo Palisa. Rubio will be joined by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff for the talks in Jeddah, wherein Witkoff expressed the goal of establishing a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire.

These U.S.-Ukraine discussions are occurring three weeks after high-level meetings between U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh. Ukraine’s stance remains one of strong commitment to productive dialogue, with aspirations to reach consensus on essential decisions and steps toward peace. President Zelenskyy noted in a post on X, “Ukraine has been seeking peace from the very first second of this war. Realistic proposals are on the table. The key is to move quickly and effectively.”

Following the engagement in Saudi Arabia, Rubio will head to Charlevoix, Canada, for the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting scheduled from March 12 to 14. G7 foreign ministers had previously underscored their dedication to facilitating a lasting peace and reiterated the importance of establishing robust security guarantees for Ukraine during joint discussions at the Munich Security Conference in February. The G7 joint statement also indicated that any new sanctions imposed after February should be contingent upon the Russian Federation’s authentic attempts at establishing peace with Ukraine.

In summary, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia and subsequent participation in the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting aim to establish a framework for peace regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These discussions emphasize the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, highlighting Ukraine’s ongoing commitment to achieving peace. The developments signify a concerted effort to strengthen international relations and promote security in the region.

Original Source: www.voanews.com