U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will conduct U.S.-Ukraine talks in Saudi Arabia, meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The discussions aim to establish a framework for peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Following this, Rubio will attend the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Canada to reinforce international support for Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday to participate in U.S.-Ukraine discussions aimed at concluding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Accompanying him will be U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and special envoy Steve Witkoff, further emphasizing the administration’s commitment to achieving a sustainable peace. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce indicated that Rubio will also meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to discuss mutual interests and strengthen U.S.-Saudi ties.
Additionally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Jeddah on the same day for discussions with the Saudi Crown Prince. Following that meeting, a delegation from Ukraine led by Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak will engage in further talks with U.S. officials. The Ukrainian team also includes Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, and military commander Pavlo Palisa, reflecting a strong commitment to diplomatic dialogue.
Witkoff provided insight into the goals of these talks, stating, “the idea is to get down a framework for a peace agreement and an initial ceasefire as well.” These discussions occur shortly after previous meetings between high-ranking U.S. and Russian officials in Riyadh. Ukraine’s officials expressed their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the U.S. and take necessary actions towards peace.
Following the meetings in Saudi Arabia, Rubio will proceed to Charlevoix, Canada, for the Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers’ meeting from March 12 to 14. G7 ministers have publicly reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a lasting peace and advocate for robust security guarantees for Ukraine. They noted that any further sanctions on Russia should depend on the country’s genuine efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine amicably.
In summary, Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s journey to Saudi Arabia marks a significant diplomatic effort aimed at facilitating peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Engaging with both U.S. and Ukrainian officials, the meetings aim to develop a framework for an agreement and potential ceasefire. Following these discussions, Rubio will attend the G7 meeting in Canada, where foreign ministers will reinforce their commitment to supporting Ukraine and ensuring security in the region.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
