Rubio to Meet with Ukrainian Officials in Saudi Arabia This Week
The discussions will focus on methods to ‘promote mutual interests in the region and enhance the U.S.–Saudi partnership,’ according to the State Department representative.
“During his stay in Jeddah, he will also engage with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to explore ways to advance common interests in the region and reinforce the U.S.–Saudi relationship,” State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked on March 9.
Following this visit, Rubio will head to Canada for the G7 foreign ministers meeting scheduled for March 12-14 to “promote President Trump’s America First policy agenda.”
“The discussions will concentrate on conflicts in the Middle East and Europe, collaborative efforts in Africa and the Indo-Pacific, and ensuring stability in the Western Hemisphere,” Bruce further explained.
On March 7, Rubio had a conversation with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, stating that President Donald Trump wishes to see a swift conclusion to the Russia–Ukraine war.
“The Secretary emphasized President Trump’s commitment to ending the conflict as soon as possible and highlighted that all parties must take actions to secure a lasting peace,” noted the State Department in a statement.
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Following a breakdown of talks during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to the White House on February 28, Trump suspended military support and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
“I believe he should apologize for wasting our time in a meeting that was destined to end in the manner it did,” Rubio told CNN, criticizing the Ukrainian president for “transforming this into the debacle that it became.”
“There was no reason for him to enter the discussion in an antagonistic manner.”
In the aftermath, Zelenskyy expressed his regret regarding how the meeting unfolded and indicated his willingness to return to negotiations over a deal concerning rare earth minerals in exchange for ongoing U.S. military assistance.
Zelenskyy has also mentioned plans to visit Saudi Arabia for talks with Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. He added that Ukrainian diplomatic and military officials would meet with U.S. representatives on March 11.
“We have no intention of harming anyone, especially them,” Trump informed reporters in the Oval Office. “I’m reviewing that, and while some believe it’s fitting, others disagree, and I’ll be making a decision soon.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
