Marco Rubio arrives in Riyadh for Ukraine peace talks while President Zelenskyy is in the UAE. Anticipated discussions follow a Trump-Putin call, emphasizing Ukraine’s involvement. European officials are also convening to discuss security guarantees amidst uncertainties about participation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to engage in anticipated discussions regarding peacemaking efforts concerning the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been instigated by Russia. Concurrently, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has flown to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their meetings are expected to address a potential resolution to the war. Rubio is accompanied by prominent figures from President Trump’s administration but has yet to reveal his specific agenda or the individuals he will meet in Riyadh.
Reports from Russia’s Kommersant newspaper and the U.S. publication Axios indicate that the talks will commence on Tuesday, coinciding with plans for Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Riyadh. On CBS’s Face the Nation, Rubio emphasized that peace requires proactive efforts, stating, “One phone call does not make peace. One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one.” He further articulated the need for tangible steps towards peace, highlighting that “peace is not a noun; it’s a verb.”
Rubio’s trip is a follow-up to a discussion last week between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, wherein both sides agreed to initiate negotiations immediately. Despite the American announcement of Kyiv’s invitation to the meetings, President Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about the planned gathering in Saudi Arabia, stating, “I do not know what it is.”
During his visit to the UAE, Zelenskyy reiterated his intent to visit both Saudi Arabia and Turkey. However, he clarified that he does not plan to engage with American or Russian officials. At the Munich Security Conference, European officials stressed that Ukraine must be directly involved in discussions between Trump and Putin, raising concerns that the EU has not been invited to participate in the talks.
Some European leaders are set to convene in Paris for an emergency summit focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine, as the role of Kyiv and Europe in the anticipated peace negotiations remains ambiguous. The situation continues to unfold, with various stakeholders poised to address the ongoing crisis in Eastern Europe.
In summary, Marco Rubio’s arrival in Riyadh signifies a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to negotiate peace amid Russia’s war against Ukraine. The involvement of international figures, including President Zelenskyy and key U.S. officials, highlights the complexity and urgency of the situation. As dialogue progresses, uncertainties remain regarding the roles of Ukraine and European leaders in shaping a resolution.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
