Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Rustem Umerov, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, in Florida to discuss ongoing efforts related to the conflict in Ukraine. The meeting builds on recent progress made in Geneva and throughout the week through continued communication between the two parties.
Rubio emphasized that their work is not solely focused on ending the current war but also aims at ensuring Ukraine’s future as a sovereign and independent nation with potential for economic growth. He stated, “The end goal is obviously not just the end of the war, obviously. That’s central and fundamental. We want to see the end of the killing and the death and the suffering, and I’m sure the Ukrainians – and I know they do as well – that they want peace. But it’s also about securing an end to the war that leaves Ukraine sovereign and independent and with an opportunity at real prosperity.”
He further noted, “So this is not just about ending a war. This is about ending a war in a way that creates a mechanism and a way forward that will allow them to be independent and sovereign, never have another war again, and create tremendous prosperity for its people, not just rebuild the country but to enter an era of extraordinary economic progress. It’s a country with – Ukraine has tremendous economic potential. Ukraine has tremendous opportunity for true prosperity. Obviously you can’t do that in the middle of a war like this, but ending a war alone won’t achieve that.”
Rubio stressed that any peace agreement must establish conditions for long-term independence, sovereignty, and prosperity for Ukraine: “So this is not just about peace deals. It’s about creating a pathway forward that leaves Ukraine sovereign, independent, and prosperous.”
Umerov expressed gratitude toward American leadership and support from President Trump’s administration: “First of all, I would like to start with (inaudible) American people, American leadership, President Trump’s initiative for the peace. We have been working with U.S. for the last ten months, and we’ve been meeting and had great progress. I am thankful to President Trump’s super team that is supporting us.”
He highlighted ongoing discussions regarding Ukraine's security needs: “We are discussing about the future of Ukraine, about the security of Ukraine, about no repetition of aggression of Ukraine, about prosperity of Ukraine, about how to rebuild Ukraine.” Umerov added appreciation for U.S assistance: “And we are thankful for the efforts of United States and its team to helping us. U.S. is hearing us. U.S. is supporting us. U.S. is walking besides us.”
Both sides indicated their expectation for productive outcomes from these talks.
