Marco Rubio’s Diplomatic Mission: Assessing Ukraine’s Situation and U.S. Aid
Marco Rubio is traveling to Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine relations amid Trump’s aid freeze. Zelensky’s willingness to sign a minerals deal could impact U.S. support. The outcome of this visit, alongside talks at the G7 summit, is crucial for evaluating U.S. strategy in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Saudi Arabia for discussions concerning Ukraine, amid President Donald Trump’s decision regarding an aid freeze to the nation. The State Department confirmed Rubio would also attend the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Canada, marking his position as the highest-ranking official to visit post-Trump’s return.
During the upcoming talks in Jeddah from Monday through Wednesday, Rubio will seek ways to achieve the president’s objective of ending the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. According to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, the discussions will avoid referencing prior statements regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff are also expected to be present.
Following a contentious meeting with Zelensky on February 28, Trump halted aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. Chastised by both Rubio and Vice President JD Vance for what they perceive as Zelensky’s ingratitude over past U.S. military aid, Zelensky departed without signing a requested mineral wealth agreement. Recently, he expressed willingness to sign the deal and sent a conciliatory letter to Trump, which received attention during Trump’s Congressional address.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy on Russia and Ukraine, indicated his support for resuming assistance contingent upon Zelensky’s agreement, though the final decision rests with Trump. Reports suggest that Trump seeks more than just a minerals deal; he demands that Zelensky demonstrate readiness for concessions to Russia. European leaders are frantically exploring ways to supplement U.S. aid, while Zelensky insists that Washington’s security guarantees remain irreplaceable in negotiations with Russia.
With Russia persistently attacking Ukraine’s infrastructure after its invasion three years ago, Trump recently threatened increased sanctions on Russia should they remain uncooperative. Rubio previously engaged with his Russian counterparts, emphasizing potential economic cooperation contingent upon peace, and these deliberations also occurred in Saudi Arabia, recognized as a crucial diplomatic ally for Trump.
In Jeddah, Rubio is slated to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump aims to urge Saudi Arabia to recognize Israel, although this remains distant due to ongoing hostilities in Gaza. Subsequently, Rubio will participate in the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Quebec, where he will focus on promoting U.S. interests related to security and global stability during a period of heightened tensions with Canada.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the G7 talks underscores the complexities in U.S. relations with Ukraine amid President Trump’s aid freeze. With Zelensky’s willingness to negotiate and the ongoing threat from Russia, the U.S. faces challenges in ensuring effective support while balancing international diplomacy. Moreover, the outcome of these discussions could reshape future U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Original Source: www.france24.com
