Rubio and Zelenskyy Engage in Key Diplomatic Visits Ahead of Peace Talks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are engaging in diplomatic visits in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, respectively, in anticipation of important peace talks aimed at ending the conflict initiated by Russia. The discussions scheduled for Tuesday involve key figures including Russia’s Foreign Minister, highlighting the complex nature of negotiations and the necessity for Ukraine’s participation in these talks.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia, coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These visits are occurring in anticipation of peace talks aimed at resolving the conflict caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine. Rubio is accompanied by senior officials, including National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, although he has not disclosed his meeting agenda in Riyadh.
Reports from Russia’s newspaper Kommersant and Axios indicate that discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov preparing to visit Riyadh. Rubio emphasized the complexities of achieving peace, stating, “One phone call does not make peace” and asserting that former President Donald Trump is uniquely positioned to initiate this process.
Following a recent phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, both leaders agreed for their teams to begin negotiations immediately, with a potential meeting in Saudi Arabia announced. Concurrently, President Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty regarding the nature of the planned Saudi meeting, acknowledging prior communication about Ukraine’s invitation.
Zelenskyy, currently in the UAE for a pre-scheduled visit, mentioned his interest in visiting Saudi Arabia and Turkey but confirmed he does not intend to engage with U.S. or Russian officials. During the Munich Security Conference, European leaders called for Ukraine’s direct involvement in any negotiations regarding the conflict, highlighting the continued exclusion of the EU from the talks.
Additionally, European leaders are set to convene an emergency summit in Paris regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, reflecting the ambiguity surrounding the role of Kyiv and Europe in the anticipated peace discussions.
In summary, Marco Rubio’s arrival in Saudi Arabia along with Zelenskyy’s visit to the UAE signifies a critical phase in the ongoing negotiations aimed at the resolution of the Ukraine conflict. The planned talks, which many view as essential, highlight the complexities of achieving peace while emphasizing the necessity of Ukraine’s participation. As European leaders prepare for discussions on security guarantees, the evolving dynamics of these negotiations pose important questions regarding roles and responsibilities.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
