Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently addressed the media to emphasize the ongoing efforts by the United States to help end the conflict in Ukraine. Rubio reiterated the U.S.'s position, stating, “I think it’s important to remind everybody that the Ukraine war is a terrible thing, but it’s not our war. We didn’t start it.” Despite this, he noted, “the United States has been helping Ukraine for over the last three years, and we want it to end.”
Rubio outlined the latest diplomatic efforts, highlighting multiple meetings between U.S. officials and representatives from both Ukraine and Russia. "Ambassador Witkoff has had not one, not two, but three meetings with Vladimir Putin," he stated. At the same time, Rubio and other officials engaged with Ukrainian representatives.
"We came here yesterday to sort of begin to talk about more specific outlines of what it might take to end the war," Rubio explained, emphasizing the urgency of determining the possibility of resolving the conflict soon.
When asked about a potential framework for negotiations, Rubio declined to provide specifics, stating, "when you start negotiating these things through the media and so forth, they fall apart." He did mention the constructive role of European nations such as France, Germany, and the UK during these discussions.
Addressing questions about security guarantees for Ukraine, Rubio acknowledged, “the term ‘security guarantees’ came up because they come up in every meeting," but stressed that discussions are not yet at the level of detailed specifics. He highlighted the importance of Ukraine having the capability to defend itself from future threats.
The possibility of ongoing talks in Europe was acknowledged by Rubio, with no final decisions about U.S. delegation participation in upcoming talks. "If the meeting is going to be productive," Rubio said, "I’m willing to come myself."
Rubio stressed the necessity for clear progress in negotiations, stating, "If they’re serious about peace – either side, or both – we want to help." If not, Rubio indicated the need to redirect focus to other pressing global matters, asserting that "this war has no military solution."
In discussions regarding Iran, Rubio referred to ongoing negotiations about nuclear agreements, stating, "the President’s made clear Iran will not have a nuclear weapon." He warned of the potential for European nations to impose sanctions if Iran remains out of compliance with existing agreements.
In closing remarks, Rubio reiterated the U.S. commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution but stressed the need for timely and tangible progress, noting, "if it’s not going to happen, we need to know now because we have other things we have to deal with."
