Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia: Aiming for Peace Talks with U.S. Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Jeddah for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aiming to repair relations after a contentious U.S. visit. His team will negotiate military support ahead of a summit with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the role of U.S. intelligence sharing are central to these discussions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday for discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit precedes a summit with U.S. dignitaries, which aims to mend rifts caused by his earlier encounter with U.S. officials that deteriorated into conflict over military aid. Securing this military support is critical for Ukraine, especially following Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy’s team, which includes senior advisors, will negotiate in his absence as he meets with the Crown Prince after sunset during Ramadan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also traveling to Jeddah, albeit it appears he and Zelenskyy will not meet in person, although Rubio intends to engage with the Crown Prince.
Rubio, en route to Saudi Arabia, aims to assess Ukraine’s stance on potential peace talks. He expressed the need to gauge Ukraine’s willingness to consider concessions in light of the ongoing conflict, despite the immense suffering endured by the Ukrainian people. “That’s the only way this is going to end and prevent more suffering,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity of dialogue to find common ground.
Zelenskyy’s delegation also includes key figures such as Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, with Rubio leading the U.S. contingent. Meanwhile, skepticism persists across Europe, jeopardizing the continent’s collective defense stance amid the U.S. policy shifts.
White House special envoy Steve Witkoff assured there has been no halt in sharing defense intelligence with Ukraine, maintaining support for defensive operations. However, a pause remains on intelligence useful for offensive actions, although advancements in reinstating this sharing could emerge from the talks in Saudi Arabia, as implied by a U.S. official.
The article outlines the significant diplomatic efforts by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia, aimed at securing military support and fostering dialogue amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The involvement of U.S. Secretary of State Rubio underscores the urgency of peace discussions, though skepticism lingers in Europe. Meanwhile, assurances regarding intelligence support illustrate continued U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense needs, providing a framework for potential future collaboration.
Original Source: www.rmoutlook.com
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