Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is in Saudi Arabia for talks with U.S. officials, aiming to improve relations and restore military aid following a previous contentious visit to Washington. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio is en route to the meeting, and Zelenskyy plans to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions may involve peace negotiations and intelligence-sharing between the U.S. and Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has arrived in Saudi Arabia as preparations are made for discussions between his team and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Although Zelenskyy will not attend the meeting with Rubio, the Ukrainian delegation aims to improve relations following a recent contentious visit to Washington, marked by disputes with President Trump and Vice President Vance.
Saudi state media confirmed Zelenskyy’s arrival in Jeddah, the location for the upcoming Ukraine-U.S. summit scheduled for Tuesday. Notably, Zelenskyy plans to meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after sunset, coinciding with the end of the Ramadan daily fast.
Secretary of State Rubio, who is also traveling to Jeddah, has slated a meeting with Prince Mohammed, not with Zelenskyy. The Ukrainian team intends to persuade the U.S. to restore military aid and intelligence assistance that benefitted Kyiv following Russia’s intensified offensive in 2022.
On his flight to Saudi Arabia, Rubio reflected on the potential for peace talks, stating, “What we want to know is, are they interested [in] entering some sort of peace conversation… it has been a costly and bloody war for the Ukrainians. ” He emphasized the need for open dialogue without imposing conditions on Ukraine’s actions.
Meanwhile, UK’s Sir Keir Starmer communicated with President Trump prior to the U.S.-Ukraine meeting, indicating the UK’s commitment to a lasting peace agreement. He expressed hope for positive negotiations leading to the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence support.
In response to recent U.S. policy shifts regarding Ukraine, the European Union has agreed to fortify its defenses and allocate substantial funds for security. Despite the current intelligence-sharing moratorium for offensive purposes, a U.S. intelligence official indicated potential advancements in sharing intelligence during the Saudi talks.
Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia highlights Ukraine’s efforts to mend relations with the U.S. after recent diplomatic tensions. As talks with U.S. officials and the Saudi Crown Prince approach, efforts to restore military support and engage in peace discussions are critical elements to address ongoing conflict dynamics. Furthermore, the international response, including the EU’s defense measures, underscores the broader implications of U.S. policy shifts in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
