U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia from the 10th to the 12th local time to discuss a mineral agreement related to the cessation of the war between Ukraine and Russia, State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced on the 9th.
Spokesperson Bruce noted in a statement that "Secretary Rubio plans to hold talks with the Ukrainian side in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from March 10 to 12, to advance the president's goal of ending the Russia-Ukraine war" and added, "While in Jeddah, he is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss ways to enhance mutual interests in the region and strengthen U.S.-Saudi relations."
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on the 8th on X (formerly Twitter) that "he will visit Saudi Arabia next week" and that "he will meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia on the 10th." He also revealed that a high-level meeting between the U.S. and Ukraine will be held on the 11th. He stated, "We are fully committed to constructive dialogue" and added, "We hope to discuss and agree on the necessary decisions and steps." The Ukrainian delegation includes Andriy Yermak, head of the president's office, Andriy Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense, and Pavlo Palitsa, deputy head of the president's office, a former military commander.
While the State Department did not disclose details, it is known that Secretary Rubio will be joined by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff during the talks with Ukraine. Previously, the U.S. delegation led by Secretary Rubio held a high-level meeting regarding the cessation of the war with Russia in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the 18th of last month.