U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss resolving the pause in aid to Ukraine, with key talks anticipated with Ukrainian officials. While there is interest in Ukraine’s mineral resources, Rubio clarified it is not the primary agenda. The discussions emphasize the need for concessions from Ukraine while reinforcing a combined approach of military strength and diplomacy to achieve peace.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, aim to address the pause in Ukraine’s aid. While listening to Ukrainian officials, Rubio expressed his desire to understand potential concessions from Ukraine that may facilitate resuming the aid. He stated, “The Ukrainians are already receiving all defensive intelligence information as we speak. I think all the notion of the pause in aid broadly is something I hope we can resolve.”
Rubio indicated that the discussions would not focus on delineating borders but rather on assessing what concessions are feasible for Ukraine. He underscored the necessity for both Russia and Ukraine to make tough decisions as there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict. His comments came shortly before a significant meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak.
On the agenda are critical meetings among U.S. officials and the Ukrainian delegation, which includes key figures such as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov. Zelenskyy highlighted on social media the need for a combination of strategic diplomacy and military strength to achieve a lasting peace in Ukraine.
In the context of ongoing military support, President Donald Trump has proposed linking future aid to Ukraine’s access to its mineral resources, which are vital to the U.S. economy. Rubio clarified, however, that while Ukraine’s mineral resources are significant, they are not the primary focus of the upcoming talks. He expressed, “I wouldn’t prejudge tomorrow by whether or not we have a minerals deal.”
Rubio acknowledged the constructive roles of Britain and France in negotiations with Ukraine and indicated no discussions had occurred regarding China’s involvement in post-war peacekeeping efforts. This visit marks Rubio’s second trip to Saudi Arabia since assuming office, with further engagements planned in Canada for meetings with G7 foreign ministers.
The discussions in Saudi Arabia led by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio aim to resolve the pause in Ukraine’s aid through a dialogue that considers potential Ukrainian concessions. The meetings feature key Ukrainian officials and emphasize the necessity for both diplomacy and military strength to achieve peace. While mineral resources may be touched upon, they are not the central focus of these negotiations. Overall, Rubio’s visit signifies ongoing U.S. commitment to addressing the complexities of the Ukraine conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
