**Rubio's Diplomacy Push: Navigating Gaza and Ukraine Challenges**

**In an effort to address the escalating conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, Secretary of State Marco Rubio's Middle East visit seeks to foster collaboration and propose alternatives to unilateral U.S. strategies.**

Secretary of State Marco Rubio made his inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia on Monday as part of a crucial trip to the Middle East, aimed at tackling the ongoing crises in Gaza and Ukraine. His arrival in Riyadh follows his stop in Israel, amid widespread criticism regarding the Trump administration's independent approach to these international conflicts without sufficient consultation with key allies.

During his visit, Rubio is expected to engage with Saudi officials, urging them to formulate a comprehensive strategy for postwar Gaza. This request comes in the wake of President Trump’s contentious proposal to depopulate and militarily occupy the territory, a plan that has faced intense backlash from Arab nations, including regional giant Saudi Arabia.

Rubio also plans to hold discussions with Russian representatives in Riyadh regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine. He will be accompanied by other senior figures, including national security adviser Mike Waltz and Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy for Middle East matters, who also focuses on the dynamics of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

The Trump administration has faced considerable discontent from both Arab and European partners due to his recent unilateral actions, including direct communications with Russian President Vladimir Putin concerning Ukraine. European officials have expressed concern over being excluded from critical discussions that will undeniably shape the future of their continent as the conflict escalates.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reinforced this sentiment in a recent interview, underscoring that Ukraine would categorically reject any peace negotiations conducted without its direct involvement. As tensions mount, Rubio's meetings in the Middle East aim to realign U.S. foreign policy and coalesce international support amid complicated geopolitical landscapes.