U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Saudi Arabia to discuss aid to Ukraine and address the ongoing conflict with Russia, as President Trump weighs lifting a freeze on military support. Rubio will also meet with Saudi officials, emphasizing U.S. strategic interests in the region.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to travel to Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with Ukrainian officials concerning potential shifts in the situation surrounding the Ukraine conflict. This trip comes amid President Donald Trump’s deliberations on whether to lift a freeze on military aid to Ukraine, following a tumultuous meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier in the year.
During his visit, Rubio will participate in talks aimed at furthering the president’s objective to end the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The discussions, spanning from Monday to Wednesday in Jeddah, will include the presence of President Zelensky and Trump’s confidant, Steve Witkoff. Support for resuming aid appears contingent upon a deal that would require Ukraine to grant the U.S. rights to its mineral resources.
Zelensky had previously failed to finalize an agreement during the February meeting, but he has since expressed willingness to sign. U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg has indicated that aid resumption hinges on this deal, although Trump is reportedly seeking assurances of Ukrainian concessions. European leaders are scrambling to provide alternatives to U.S. aid; however, Zelensky maintains that no other guarantees can match those from Washington.
In addition to discussions about Ukraine, Rubio will engage with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They are anticipated to discuss issues including the prospect of Saudi Arabia recognizing Israel. Following his Saudi visit, Rubio will attend the Group of Seven meeting in Quebec, where he will advocate for U.S. interests in global security and strategic cooperation amidst ongoing tensions with Canada, heightened by Trump’s trade policies.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia aims to address the evolving situation regarding U.S. aid to Ukraine amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. His discussions could pave the way for renewed support contingent on a proposed minerals agreement. Additionally, his engagements with Saudi officials may further U.S. strategic interests in international diplomacy, particularly in relation to Israel. These efforts highlight the complexities of international relations and the imperative of U.S. involvement in global security.
Original Source: www.france24.com
