Zelenskyy’s Saudi Arabia Visit Highlights U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for talks with U.S. officials, focusing on improving relationships and seeking military aid amid ongoing conflict with Russia. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio emphasizes the importance of understanding Ukrainian concessions for peace negotiations. UK leader Starmer aligns with U.S. discussions, and the EU commits to bolster security in response to shifting U.S. policy.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Saudi Arabia for discussions with U.S. officials. Although he will not attend a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Zelenskyy’s team aims to mend relations following a contentious visit to Washington on February 28, where tensions culminated in an argument with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Zelenskyy is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah after breaking the daily fast for Ramadan. Secretary Rubio is also traveling to Jeddah but will not meet Zelenskyy; instead, he will engage with Prince Mohammed. The Ukrainian delegation seeks to persuade the U.S. to renew military and intelligence support that has been vital since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Rubio expressed a desire for a potential understanding between Ukraine and the U.S. that aligns with Trump’s stance, stating this could expedite peace negotiations. He highlighted the tremendous suffering Ukrainians have endured and acknowledged the difficulty of discussing concessions in light of that suffering. Rubio emphasized the need to explore what concessions Ukraine might consider and how they align with Russian demands.

Meanwhile, UK opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer communicated with President Trump about the forthcoming U.S.-Ukraine dialogue. Starmer noted ongoing UK engagements with Ukrainian officials and expressed hope for a positive outcome that would facilitate the resumption of U.S. aid and intelligence sharing. Both leaders agreed to maintain communication regarding a previously discussed economic deal.

In a related development, the European Union has pledged to enhance its defenses and allocate substantial resources for security in response to the evolving U.S. policy on Ukraine. A U.S. intelligence source indicated that the current pause on sharing intelligence with offensive capabilities would continue, but progress may be made during the Saudi negotiations regarding reinstating intelligence support to Ukraine.

President Zelenskyy’s visit to Saudi Arabia serves as a pivotal opportunity for Ukraine to strengthen ties with the U.S. in light of past tensions. While significant discussions are anticipated, especially concerning military aid, the importance of diplomatic negotiations and concessions remains paramount. The support from allies, including the UK and EU, underscores an ongoing commitment to Ukraine’s security in the face of conflict with Russia. The coming days in Jeddah could influence the trajectory of peace talks and military aid decisions significantly.

Original Source: news.sky.com