U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Saudi Arabia for discussions on the Ukraine war and aid, following President Trump’s controversial suspension of support after a meeting with President Zelensky. Rubio aims to advance negotiations for ending the conflict, with the backdrop of strained U.S.-Canada relations and the implications of U.S. foreign policy concerning Russia and Ukraine. His diplomatic engagements are also set to extend to key figures in Saudi Arabia and participating in G7 talks thereafter.

This article discusses the plans of United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is traveling to Saudi Arabia for discussions on the ongoing Ukraine war and U.S. aid. His visit marks the first by a senior official since President Donald Trump’s return, amidst a backdrop of strained relations with Canada and concerns regarding U.S. support for Ukraine. The State Department emphasized that Rubio’s objective is to work towards ending the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

Rubio’s talks in Jeddah, scheduled from Monday to Wednesday, will include Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump advisor Steve Witkoff. Following a controversial meeting with Zelensky back on February 28, which resulted in Trump suspending military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky indicated his willingness to sign a minerals deal, intended to leverage U.S. financial support.

As of now, it seems Trump is hesitant to approve aid solely based on the mineral agreement, seeking further guarantees that Ukraine is ready to negotiate with Russia. The situation remains precarious as European leaders attempt to fill the void left by reduced U.S. support, though Zelensky has remarked on the irreplaceable nature of U.S. security assurances.

Meanwhile, with Russian assaults on Ukrainian infrastructure persisting, Trump has hinted at potential sanctions against Russia should diplomatic progress falter. Rubio’s diplomatic agenda will also include a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia to discuss various cooperative efforts.

Following his engagement in Saudi Arabia, Rubio is set to attend Group of Seven discussions in Quebec, where he aims to promote U.S. strategic interests and enhance global stability, notwithstanding existing tensions with Canada stemming from past trade disputes and tariff policies.

In conclusion, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia embodies a significant diplomatic effort to resolve the Ukraine crisis and restore U.S. aid. He is expected to engage with key figures, including President Zelensky, amidst mixed messages regarding U.S. support. Furthermore, his discussions will extend to fostering relations with Saudi Arabia and addressing broader strategic interests at the Group of Seven meetings. The developments underscore the intricate balance of diplomacy and international relations under the Trump administration.

Original Source: www.dawn.com

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