Rubio Engages in US-Ukraine Discussions in Saudi Arabia to Resolve Aid Pause

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Jeddah for talks with Ukrainian officials to discuss the pause in aid to Ukraine and explore possible concessions. While discussions on Ukraine’s mineral resources are anticipated, they are not the primary focus. The talks highlight the importance of combining military strength with diplomacy for enduring peace.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States aims to resolve the ongoing pause in aid to Ukraine during discussions with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that the U.S. is in a listening mode to ascertain the potential concessions Ukraine might entertain, indicating that understanding these points is crucial for any resolution.

Rubio communicated that the provision of defensive intelligence to Ukraine is ongoing, expressing optimism about resolving the aid pause. He stated, “We’re not going to be sitting in a room drawing lines on a map, but just get a general sense of what concessions are in the realm of the possible for them [Ukrainians].” He noted that a military solution is unattainable and that both sides must engage in challenging negotiations.

On the same day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) held separate meetings with Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss key issues. Rubio will participate in subsequent talks alongside U.S. national security adviser Mike Waltz and a Ukrainian delegation led by Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.

Zelenskyy, in a social media post, remarked that a combination of strong military positions and rigorous diplomacy is essential for achieving a lasting peace. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has proposed linking future military aid to Ukraine’s access to its mineral resources, which are crucial for the U.S. economy and defense.

Rubio clarified that discussions surrounding Ukraine’s mineral resources are not the primary focus of the upcoming talks. He stated, “It’s an important topic, but it’s not the main topic on the agenda,” further asserting that detailed agreements would require additional time to finalize. He acknowledged the constructive roles played by Britain and France, and noted that there were no discussions regarding China’s involvement in postwar recovery efforts in Ukraine.

Marco Rubio’s discussions with Ukrainian officials in Jeddah aim to address the paused aid to Ukraine while seeking to understand Ukraine’s possible concessions. The negotiations emphasize the importance of military and diplomatic cooperation for sustainable peace. Although mineral resource agreements are relevant, they remain secondary to the main objectives of the talks. The involvement of key stakeholders, including Saudi leadership, underscores the international dimension of these negotiations.

Original Source: www.voanews.com