Marco Rubio Arrives in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine, Gaza Talks.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, February 17, 2025, to kickstart negotiations over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. This visit marks Rubio’s first trip to the Middle East as Secretary of State and is aimed at addressing critical issues without the usual European partners involved.
Rubio is set to meet with Kremlin officials, including Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, to discuss the future of the Russia-Ukraine war. The talks are expected to focus on finding a resolution to the conflict, which has been ongoing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Rubio will be joined by Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and U.S. Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
In addition to the Ukraine discussions, Rubio will also address President Donald Trump’s plans for Gaza. Trump’s vision includes relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan, a proposal that has sparked significant debate and concern among Palestinian officials and other Arab states. Rubio’s meetings in Saudi Arabia will also involve discussions on how to achieve a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and reduce Iran’s influence in the region.
The visit comes at a time when Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are positioning themselves as mediators between the United States and Russia. These countries rely heavily on U.S. military support and have significant business ties with both the U.S. and Russia. Rubio’s discussions with Saudi officials are expected to focus on garnering support for Trump’s plans and ensuring regional stability.
As Rubio embarks on this diplomatic mission, the world watches closely to see how these talks will unfold and what impact they might have on the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The success of these negotiations could pave the way for a more stable and peaceful future in both regions.
