President Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia to discuss U.S. support ahead of a key Ukraine-US meeting. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also traveling to Jeddah, seeking diplomatic engagement while UK leader Sir Keir Starmer communicates with President Trump about peace prospects. The EU is enhancing its defense strategies amid the shifting political landscape.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia in anticipation of a meeting with U.S. officials. His team aims to mend relations following a challenging encounter during his prior visit to Washington. The discussions will occur on Tuesday in Jeddah, where efforts to revive military aid and intelligence support from the U.S. will be paramount, particularly since the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly after sunset, coinciding with the end of the daily fast during Ramadan. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is traveling to Jeddah as well, will not meet President Zelenskyy, but he is expected to engage with the Crown Prince regarding U.S.-Saudi relations.
Secretary Rubio expressed a desire for Ukraine to consider peace negotiations, acknowledging the severe toll the conflict has taken on the Ukrainian populace. He highlighted, “What we want to know is, are they interested [in] entering some sort of peace conversation…” underscoring the importance of dialogue despite the heavy losses endured.
Meanwhile, UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has been in contact with President Trump prior to the US-Ukraine talks, reiterating the UK’s commitment to facilitating a lasting peace. Discussions included an economic deal first addressed in the White House, with both leaders emphasizing continuous communication regarding future engagements.
In parallel, the European Union has decided to enhance its defense capabilities by allocating substantial financial resources for security initiatives, reflecting a strategic shift in response to changes in U.S. policy towards Ukraine. Nevertheless, a pause on intelligence sharing remains, although there is hope for progress during the forthcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia.
President Zelenskyy’s arrival in Saudi Arabia marks a critical moment in US-Ukraine relations as efforts to restore military aid and intelligence sharing are pursued. The discussions emphasize the importance of peace negotiations amidst ongoing conflict. Collaborative communications between the UK and US leaders further highlight international support for Ukraine’s precarious situation.
Original Source: news.sky.com
