Zelenskyy Visits Saudi Arabia for Crucial Talks on Military Aid and Peace Negotiations
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on military aid and potential peace negotiations amid ongoing conflict with Russia. His team aims to address earlier tensions from a prior meeting with U.S. leaders, seeking to establish a suitable understanding moving forward.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before a summit with U.S. officials. His delegation aims to ameliorate issues stemming from a tense February meeting in Washington with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. This visit is critical as it concerns military aid and intelligence from the U.S. that have been vital for Ukraine since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy is set to meet with the Crown Prince after sunset during Ramadan, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also scheduled to arrive in Jeddah, although a direct meeting with Zelenskyy appears unlikely. Rubio stated he would assess the situation in Ukraine along with National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, focusing on potential peace negotiations and the impacts of the ongoing conflict on the Ukrainian people.
Rubio noted the importance of listening to Ukrainian responses regarding peace discussions while acknowledging the severe suffering caused by the war. He emphasized that concessions would be essential for resolution and expressed a willingness to understand Ukraine’s position relative to Russian expectations. Zelenskyy’s team, which includes key advisors such as Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, will engage in talks led by Rubio.
European skepticism persists regarding the U.S. approach, especially after the EU’s recent decision to enhance military support amidst shifting U.S. policies. White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff reassured that U.S. intelligence sharing for defensive purposes remains uninterrupted, although offensive intelligence sharing is currently on hold, with potential advancements anticipated during the Saudi discussions.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia marks an essential step in fortifying Ukraine’s position for upcoming negotiations with U.S. officials. The talks emphasize the significance of military aid from the U.S. and the need for a constructive dialogue on peace. While challenges remain, especially regarding European sentiments and intelligence-sharing complexities, this visit aims to lay the groundwork for future alliances and discussions.
Original Source: www.seattletimes.com
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