Rubio and Zelenskyy Engage in Diplomatic Efforts Amid Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia alongside a delegation, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the UAE, both anticipating peace talks related to Russia’s war against Ukraine. Key discussions may involve Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as various European leaders emphasize Ukraine’s direct involvement in the negotiations.

On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as discussions regarding peace talks to conclude Russia’s war against Ukraine are anticipated. Rubio’s visit follows a recent call between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have agreed to commence negotiations ‘immediately’ for a potential meeting in Saudi Arabia.

Rubio’s delegation includes Trump’s National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Although Rubio has not revealed his specific meetings in Riyadh, reports suggest that the talks may involve Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. It is expected that the negotiations will take place on Tuesday according to the Russian newspaper Kommersant and Axios in the U.S.

In a recent interview, Rubio emphasized the complexity of achieving peace, stating, “One phone call does not make peace. One phone call does not solve a war as complex as this one, but I can tell you that Donald Trump is the only leader in the world that could potentially begin that process.” He later elaborated, “I said yesterday that ‘peace’ is not a noun, it’s a verb. It’s an action. You have to take concrete steps toward it.”

Zelenskyy expressed his confusion over the planned meeting in Saudi Arabia, stating, “I saw that someone said that there would be a meeting in Saudi Arabia. I do not know what it is.” He, currently in the UAE for a previously arranged visit, indicated his desire to meet Saudi and Turkish officials, but not American or Russian representatives.

At the Munich Security Conference, European officials stressed the necessity for Ukraine’s inclusion in the discussions between Trump and Putin, noting that the EU has not received an invitation to the negotiations. Concurrently, European leaders are set to convene an emergency summit in Paris to address security guarantees for Ukraine amid uncertainties regarding Kyiv’s and Europe’s roles in the ongoing peace efforts.

In summary, the anticipated peace talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are catalyzed by the diplomatic engagements of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. As negotiations between Russia and the United States are expected to unfold, the inclusion of Ukraine remains a critical element emphasized by European leaders. The situation remains fluid as the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve.

Original Source: www.politico.eu