Rubio Travels to Saudi Arabia to Discuss Ukraine Amid Aid Freeze
Marco Rubio is heading to Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine amid a potential aid freeze by Trump. Key topics include advancing US interests in ending the Russia-Ukraine war and the possibility of Ukraine transferring mineral wealth to the US. Rubio will also meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and participate in G7 talks in Canada.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions regarding Ukraine amidst President Donald Trump’s contemplation of lifting an aid freeze. This marks Rubio’s significant visit since Trump’s return, also participating in Group of Seven discussions in Canada. His agenda from Monday through Wednesday will primarily focus on strategies to further the president’s objective of concluding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, avoiding previous terminology related to the Russian invasion.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the talks in Jeddah, joined by Trump confidant Steve Witkoff. Trump’s suspension of aid and intelligence cooperation with Ukraine followed a tumultuous meeting with Zelensky on February 28. The Republican leadership has criticized Zelensky’s perceived lack of gratitude towards the US’s previous military support, with Trump demanding a deal where Ukraine would transfer valuable mineral resources to compensate US taxpayers.
Zelensky has since expressed willingness to finalize the mineral agreement and sent a conciliatory message to Trump, which Trump referenced during his congressional address. US special envoy Keith Kellogg indicated support for resuming assistance conditioned on Zelensky signing the deal, yet the final decision rests with Trump, who is seeking assurances of Ukraine’s concessions to Russia.
European leaders have begun to explore alternatives to offset the lack of US support, although Zelensky emphasized that nothing can replace US security assurances in any negotiations with Russia. As the conflict persists, Russia continues to launch strikes against Ukrainian energy facilities, and Trump recently threatened to tighten sanctions against Russia unless negotiations commence.
Previously, Rubio engaged with his Russian counterpart, signaling a thaw in relations since the Biden administration. This diplomatic approach aligns with Saudi Arabia’s role as a significant partner in Trump’s broader strategy. Rubio plans to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his visit, furthering discussions expected to address regional stability and US interests.
Following the Jeddah discussions, Rubio will attend a Group of Seven foreign ministers’ meeting in Quebec to promote US priorities in peace, strategic cooperation, and global safety. The agenda does not mention Canada’s previously strained relations under Trump’s tariffs, although he has moderated his approach in light of economic fluctuations.
Rubio’s trip to Saudi Arabia and participation in Group of Seven talks highlight the ongoing complexities of US foreign policy regarding Ukraine and the broader geopolitical landscape. The interplay between aid to Ukraine, negotiations with Russia, and US relations with Saudi Arabia underscores the significant diplomatic efforts needed to navigate these challenges. The anticipated signing of the minerals deal may be pivotal in resuming US support, contingent upon assurances from Zelensky about concessions to Russia.
Original Source: www.wyomingnewsnow.tv
