President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss U.S.-Ukraine relations and military aid with American diplomats. His team seeks to restore support following a contentious prior visit to Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international figures are involved in simultaneous discussions aimed at achieving peace amidst ongoing war dynamics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions with American diplomats regarding relations that deteriorated during his previous encounter in Washington. Although he will not participate directly in the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Zelenskyy’s team intends to negotiate for the restoration of military aid and intelligence that had significantly assisted Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began in 2022.
The meeting is slated for Tuesday in Jeddah, following Zelenskyy’s audience with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which is scheduled to occur after sunset, coinciding with the conclusion of Ramadan fasting. Rubio, while also en route to Jeddah, plans to meet with the Crown Prince separately, separate from Zelenskyy’s team.
Rubio expressed that if the U.S. and Ukraine can find common ground that aligns with President Trump’s preferences, it could potentially expedite peace negotiations. He remarked, “What we want to know is, are they interested in entering some sort of peace conversation… recognizing that it has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians.” Furthermore, he emphasized the necessity of listening to Ukraine’s stance on potential concessions in the interest of achieving peace.
In parallel, British politician Sir Keir Starmer communicated with President Trump, discussing ongoing dialogues with Ukrainian officials aimed at establishing a lasting peace. Starmer expressed hope for a favorable resolution from the upcoming Saudi talks that could facilitate the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Additionally, the European Union has agreed to enhance its defense measures and allocate significant funding for security in response to shifting policies under the Trump administration. A U.S. intelligence official indicated that discussions during the Saudi talks may lead to the reinstatement of intelligence sharing for offensive purposes, which currently remains paused.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s arrival in Saudi Arabia marks a crucial effort to mend U.S.-Ukraine relations following a challenging prior meeting. With ongoing discussions about military aid and intelligence sharing, there are hopes for renewed negotiations resulting in peace talks, particularly if they align with U.S. interests. Concurrently, the international community and EU seek to bolster Ukraine’s defenses amid evolving political dynamics.
Original Source: news.sky.com
