Rubio Travels to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Conflict and US Involvement

Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, is on a mission to Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine amid President Trump’s reconsideration of military aid. He aims to advance negotiations for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with significant meetings planned alongside key officials, including Ukrainian President Zelensky. The outcome of these discussions could greatly influence future US support and broader geopolitical stability.

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed on a flight to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, where he is to engage in discussions regarding Ukraine as President Donald Trump contemplates resuming military and intelligence assistance. This trip marks Rubio as the first significant US official to visit Saudi Arabia since Trump assumed office, amidst tensions stemming from a trade war and previous disputes over national sovereignty.

In Jeddah, Rubio will participate in a three-day dialogue focused on advancing Trump’s objective to conclude the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During this visit, he will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has previously expressed intentions to attend, and also with Trump associate Steve Witkoff. Rubio departed from Miami’s Homestead Air Base at approximately 08:00 PM local time.

President Trump voiced optimism regarding the upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia, remarking, “I think we’re going to have a good result in Saudi Arabia… we have a lot of good people going out there. I think Ukraine’s going to do well, and I think Russia is going to do well. I think some very big things could happen this week. I hope so.”

The suspension of aid and intelligence sharing followed a fraught meeting on February 28 between Trump and Zelensky, where conclusions regarding a deal involving Ukraine’s mineral wealth were not met. Despite this, Zelensky has shown willingness to sign the agreement, communicating conciliatory sentiments to Trump, which were acknowledged publicly during his address to Congress.

US special envoy Keith Kellogg indicated support for resuming assistance contingent upon Zelensky signing the minerals deal, leaving the final decision to Trump’s discretion. However, NBC News reported that Trump desires assurances of further concessions from Ukraine before proceeding. Trump stated, “Right now they haven’t shown it to the extent that they should… but I think they will be.”

European leaders are racing to compensate for the lack of US aid while recognizing the inadequacy of alternatives to American security assurances. With continued Russian aggression against Ukraine, Trump threatened to impose stricter sanctions on Russia if negotiations are not initiated. Rubio’s earlier meeting with his Russian counterpart represents an important diplomatic engagement aimed at future economic collaboration.

In Jeddah, Rubio is expected to confer with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with potential discussions around Saudi recognition of Israel, contingent on the Gaza war’s resolution. Following his visit, Rubio will travel to Quebec for a G7 foreign ministers meeting to further US interests related to peace, security, and global stability.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s mission to Saudi Arabia underscores the intricate diplomatic efforts involving Ukraine and Russia amidst a backdrop of suspended US assistance. The developments hinge on Zelensky’s willingness to engage in agreements benefitting both nations and satisfying US expectations. As resources from the US remain crucial, the pursuit of peace through strategic negotiations continues to dominate the discourse surrounding the conflict.

Original Source: www.insidenova.com