U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Riyadh as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy traveled to the UAE. Both leaders are involved in anticipated peace talks regarding the war in Ukraine. Rubio stressed that meaningful actions are crucial for peace, while Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about his country’s role in the negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Their visits coincide with anticipated peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion. Rubio is accompanied in Riyadh by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, although specific meeting details have not been disclosed. Reports suggest that discussions are scheduled for Tuesday, with speculation regarding Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Riyadh.
In a recent interview, Marco Rubio emphasized that peace requires more than just dialogue, stating, “One phone call does not make peace,” and added that meaningful actions are necessary for conflict resolution. He asserted that former President Donald Trump possesses the capacity to initiate the peace process but acknowledged the complexities involved. Rubio’s visit follows a call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin where both leaders expressed a commitment to begin negotiations immediately.
President Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about the planned talks in Saudi Arabia, despite indications of Ukraine’s invitation to participate. While in the UAE, he stated that he could visit Saudi Arabia and Turkey but does not intend to engage with U.S. or Russian officials during his trip. At the Munich Security Conference, European leaders called for direct Ukrainian involvement in negotiations, noting that the EU has not been included in the talks. Meanwhile, an emergency summit is scheduled in Paris to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, as questions remain about the role of Kyiv and Europe in the forthcoming negotiations.
The visits of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Riyadh and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the UAE highlight the urgency of addressing the war in Ukraine. While both leaders seek to foster dialogue, the complexities of the conflict and stakeholder involvement create uncertainty regarding peace negotiations. The situation remains fluid, with significant discussions scheduled among key international players.
Original Source: www.politico.eu
