Zelenskyy’s Saudi Trip: A Bid for Military Aid and Peace Talks with U.S.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia to negotiate military aid and peace talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Following a previous contentious meeting in Washington, the focus is on Ukraine’s future strategy amid skepticism from Europe. Key officials from Ukraine will also participate in these discussions, which may influence intelligence-sharing agreements.
On Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as he prepares for discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The meeting follows a contentious visit to Washington on February 28, where discussions between Zelenskyy, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance became heated. The primary focus of these negotiations is the continuation of military aid and intelligence that the United States has been providing to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet the Crown Prince after sunset, coinciding with the conclusion of the daily fast during Ramadan. Although Secretary Rubio and Zelenskyy arrived in Jeddah separately, it is unlikely they would meet in person. Rubio, alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, intends to evaluate Ukraine’s readiness for peace talks and discern if a mutual understanding can be reached with the Trump administration.
Rubio noted, “We want to know is, are they interested in entering some sort of peace conversation… They have suffered greatly and their people have suffered greatly. It is hard to talk about concessions, but it is the only way to end and prevent more suffering.” He emphasized the importance of listening to Ukraine’s position while measuring it against Russia’s actions.
Zelenskyy will be accompanied by key officials including Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov in the upcoming discussions. Amid these proceedings, skepticism remains within Europe, which feels marginalized as the U.S. navigates its stance on Ukraine. The EU has recently agreed to enhance its defense measures, allocating substantial funds in response to the shifting U.S. policies.
White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff affirmed that U.S. intelligence-sharing necessary for Ukraine’s defense has not been halted, despite a pause on intelligence that may be utilized for offensive operations. This situation poses an opportunity for advancements during the Saudi negotiations, as discussions about potentially reinstating intelligence-sharing evolve.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia signals a critical moment for Ukraine as discussions about military aid and peace talks with the U.S. unfold. The presence of both Zelenskyy and Secretary Rubio in Jeddah highlights the urgency of finding a resolution to the ongoing conflict. The interactions among top officials reflect the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly concerning security and defense commitments. As Europe remains cautious, the outcomes of these talks may shape future strategies regarding the war in Ukraine.
Original Source: tribtown.com
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