Washington, DC [US]: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has addressed ongoing discussions about peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, stating that the main objective is to bring Russian President Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table. According to ABC News, Rubio emphasized that security guarantees for Ukraine would only be meaningful if a peace agreement is first established.
Security Guarantees Depend on Peace
In an interview with George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week”, Rubio clarified that any security measures must follow peace talks. He explained:
“The security guarantees—which I prefer to call deterrence—are all contingent on peace. Everyone is talking about security guarantees, but we first need to establish peace. Right now, we don’t even know if peace is possible.”
Efforts to Engage Putin in Talks
Rubio acknowledged the challenges in negotiating with Putin but insisted that diplomacy is necessary. He stated:
“The Ukrainians understood this strategy. Our goal is to bring Putin to the negotiating table. The real question is: Can we get him to negotiate? That’s our priority right now.”
Zelenskyy’s Stance and Diplomatic Challenges
Rubio also commented on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, expressing concerns over Zelenskyy’s approach.
“Unfortunately, Zelenskyy has disrupted this effort. He challenged Vice President JD Vance when Vance emphasized the importance of diplomacy, questioning what kind of diplomacy was being proposed.”
Comparing Ukraine and Israel Policies
Rubio criticized the Biden administration’s differing approaches to conflicts in Ukraine and Israel.
“The administration pressured Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel for a ceasefire but has been more lenient regarding Ukraine. Our goal remains to determine whether a peaceful resolution is even possible.”
Conclusion: Is Peace Achievable?
Rubio concluded by emphasizing the need to explore diplomatic options.
“Shouldn’t we at least try to find a way to end this war that is acceptable, sustainable, and lasting for both sides?”
