Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia: Aiming to Mend US Relations Ahead of Talks
President Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with US officials to restore military aid and strengthen Ukraine-US relations after a difficult meeting in February. Discussions also involve key leaders including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and UK Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer, focusing on peace negotiations and strategic cooperation.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for discussions aimed at improving relations with the United States, notably ahead of a meeting involving American Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While President Zelenskyy will not attend the discussions with Mr. Rubio, his team is focused on rejuvenating ties following a tumultuous encounter on February 28 in Washington, which ended in a confrontation with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Mr. Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman later today, after sunset, coinciding with the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. Meanwhile, Secretary Rubio also travels to Jeddah, although his itinerary does not include a meeting with President Zelenskyy. Instead, he plans to meet with the Crown Prince.
The Ukrainian delegation aims to persuade the US to restore essential military and intelligence support that has been vital since Russia’s invasion in 2022. According to Secretary Rubio, achieving a mutually acceptable understanding between Ukraine and the US could expedite the administration’s endeavors towards peace negotiations.
He emphasized the significant suffering of the Ukrainian people and acknowledged the challenges of discussing concessions after extensive conflict. Rubio stated, “What we want to know is, are they interested [in] entering some sort of peace conversation…” adding that listening to the Ukrainian position will be crucial for assessing the situation.
Additionally, UK Labour Leader Sir Keir Starmer had a conversation with President Trump prior to the meeting. During this call, Starmer reiterated the UK’s commitment to ensuring a lasting peace and expressed hopes for a positive outcome in the ongoing discussions to resume US aid and intelligence sharing.
The two leaders also touched upon a previously discussed economic deal, and Starmer praised the progress that has been made. Furthermore, it was noted that the European Union agreed to strengthen its defenses by allocating substantial funds for security in light of the recent shift in US policy regarding Ukraine. A US intelligence official indicated that the current suspension of sharing offensive intelligence remains but may encounter progress in the talks in Saudi Arabia.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s arrival in Saudi Arabia marks a crucial effort to mend relations with the US amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The discussions aim to restore military and intelligence assistance critical to Ukraine’s defense. With key international leaders engaged in dialogue, the potential for peace negotiations is emerging, albeit amidst considerable challenges. The collaborative efforts between Ukraine, the US, the UK, and the European Union signal a unified approach towards enhancing security and stability in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
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