President Zelenskyy arrives in Saudi Arabia for US-Ukraine talks, aiming to restore military aid after previous tensions with the Trump administration. His team seeks to negotiate peace while Rubio and Starmer discuss ongoing support for Ukraine. The EU responds to policy shifts with increased security investments.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has arrived in Saudi Arabia to engage in discussions concerning the US-Ukraine summit. Although he will not be present at the meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his team aims to repair relations following the contentious meeting that occurred on February 28th in Washington, which involved an argument with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Zelenskyy’s arrival in Jeddah, as confirmed by Saudi state television, sets the stage for the upcoming summit taking place on Tuesday. Later tonight, he is scheduled to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following the conclusion of the daily fast of Ramadan. Although Rubio is also traveling to Jeddah, he will not meet Zelenskyy directly, as his focus will be on his discussions with the Crown Prince.
The Ukrainian delegation’s primary goal is to persuade the United States to restore military aid and intelligence previously provided to Ukraine in response to Russia’s invasion beginning in 2022. Rubio, speaking to the press, noted that if Ukraine and the US reach an agreement that meets Trump’s approval, it could hasten the administration’s negotiations for peace. He emphasized the importance of understanding Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace discussions while acknowledging the significant hardships the Ukrainian people have faced during the prolonged conflict.
Additionally, Sir Keir Starmer, the British leader, communicated with President Trump in anticipation of the US-Ukraine summit. The discussion included updates on ongoing talks between UK and Ukrainian officials and a commitment to achieving lasting peace. Starmer expressed hope that positive outcomes from the meeting could facilitate the resumption of US aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
In response to the evolving dynamics, the European Union has decided to enhance its defenses with substantial financial investments in security measures, reflecting the changes in US policy under Trump’s administration. Moreover, a US intelligence official indicated that restrictions on sharing offensive-use intelligence with Ukraine persist but may be reconsidered as discussions in Saudi Arabia progress.
In summary, President Zelenskyy’s arrival in Saudi Arabia marks a pivotal moment for US-Ukraine relations amid efforts to restore military aid and intelligence following earlier diplomatic tensions. The discussions involve critical partnerships, with both Ukrainian and US leaders expressing a willingness to explore peace negotiations. Challenges remain, but the intention to move forward with dialogue and collaboration is evident as nations respond to the shifting geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: news.sky.com
