Marco Rubio and Zelenskyy Engage in Diplomatic Initiatives Amid Ukraine Peace Talks
Marco Rubio has arrived in Riyadh for expected peace talks regarding the Ukraine conflict, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is in the UAE. The upcoming discussions may include Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov. Both leaders stress the complexity of achieving peace. European officials assert Ukraine must be involved in any negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is currently in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their visits coincide with upcoming peace discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Rubio is joined by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, but he has not disclosed the individuals he plans to meet in Saudi Arabia.
Reports from Russia’s Kommersant and U.S. outlet Axios indicate that peace talks are scheduled for Tuesday, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expected to visit Riyadh. On CBS’s “Face the Nation,” Rubio remarked, “One phone call does not make peace… but I can tell you that Donald Trump is the only leader in the world that could potentially begin that process.” He further emphasized that peace requires active steps, stating, “I said yesterday that ‘peace’ is not a noun, it’s a verb. It’s an action. You have to take concrete steps toward it.”
This diplomatic initiative follows a recent phone conversation between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, where they agreed to commence negotiations. However, Zelenskyy has been caught off guard by the planned meetings, despite earlier indications from the U.S. that Kyiv was invited. He noted, “I saw that someone said that there would be a meeting in Saudi Arabia. I do not know what it is.”
Zelenskyy expressed a desire to visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey while in the UAE, though he does not intend to meet with U.S. or Russian officials. During the Munich Security Conference, European leaders highlighted the necessity for Ukraine’s direct involvement in any negotiations. Meanwhile, the European Union has not been included in the upcoming discussions on peace.
In Paris, some European leaders will convene for an emergency summit focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine, although the specific role of Kyiv and European nations in the anticipated peace talks remains uncertain.
The recent trips by Marco Rubio to Saudi Arabia and Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UAE mark significant developments in the ongoing search for peace regarding the conflict in Ukraine. While talks are expected to begin soon, there are questions about Ukraine’s involvement and the roles of major international figures. As negotiations approach, the dynamics between involved parties will considerably shape the future of peace efforts.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
