Zelenskyy Arrives in Saudi Arabia for U.S.-Ukraine Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits Saudi Arabia for talks with U.S. officials, aiming to mend relations post a strained Washington visit. The Ukrainian team seeks restoration of military aid and intelligence. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes the need for peace negotiations. UK Prime Minister Starmer discusses commitments to Ukraine with President Trump, while the EU boosts its defenses in light of U.S. policy changes.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has arrived in Saudi Arabia in preparation for discussions with senior U.S. diplomats. Notably, he will not be participating in the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is also making his way to Jeddah but has a separate agenda involving Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Zelenskyy’s visit aims to rebuild relationships following a contentious meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance that occurred during his previous visit to Washington on February 28. The Ukrainian delegation is particularly focused on persuading the U.S. to restore crucial military aid and intelligence that had been beneficial since Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Secretary Rubio commented on the importance of understanding Ukraine’s willingness to engage in peace negotiations, recognizing the severe toll the war has taken on its people. He noted the challenges of reaching concessions but emphasized that dialogue is essential for preventing further suffering.

In parallel developments, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer connected with President Trump, expressing the UK’s ongoing commitment to peace efforts in Ukraine while hoping for positive outcomes from the upcoming talks. They also discussed a previously negotiated economic deal from their White House meeting.

Meanwhile, the European Union has agreed to enhance its defenses in light of shifts in U.S. policy towards Ukraine, while U.S. intelligence sharing for offensive purposes remains suspended. Nonetheless, there is optimism that discussions in Saudi Arabia may yield progress on this front.

In summary, President Zelenskyy’s arrival in Saudi Arabia signifies a key moment to mend U.S.-Ukraine ties following past diplomatic challenges. The discussions seek to restore vital military support and initiate a dialogue on potential peace negotiations amid the ongoing conflict. Furthermore, the UK’s involvement reflects a comprehensive international effort towards achieving stability in Ukraine, while the EU reinforces its security measures in response to changing U.S. policies.

Original Source: news.sky.com