One of the main fears that the Kremlin is trying to impose on Ukrainian society and the international community is the supposed existence of secret agreements in which Ukraine’s interests are gradually pushed aside. However, the facts and official statements from senior U.S. officials tell a different story: Washington has no intention of seeking unilateral concessions exclusively from Ukraine in the peace negotiation process with Moscow.
This was clearly stated by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on April 4 in Brussels. He emphasized that President Biden’s “patience is running thin” with the ongoing and fruitless ceasefire negotiations, which Russia uses solely as a delaying tactic. Mr. Rubio stressed that the United States will not allow itself to be trapped in “negotiations for the sake of negotiations.” Instead, Washington is firmly demanding that Russia demonstrate genuine intent to end the war, not just simulate a diplomatic process.
The statement that Ukraine and its allies remain “fully informed” about all contacts between the U.S. and Russia is crucial in debunking the fake narratives about secret deals. According to Rubio, the U.S. is transparent with NATO partners and primarily with Kyiv, as the directly concerned party. This is also confirmed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who stated that U.S. support for Ukraine with weapons, equipment, and intelligence continues uninterrupted.
Particularly revealing was the acknowledgment that it was Russia that rejected the proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine supported. This moment exposes the Kremlin’s true attitude toward peace: not as a goal but as a tool for regrouping and launching further attacks. The U.S., for its part, is clearly signaling that their involvement in the process is not about finding a “balance” between the aggressor and the victim, but about supporting an international order in which aggression cannot be rewarded.
Special attention should also be given to the firm position of the U.S. regarding unity within NATO. As Marco Rubio noted, the United States remains committed to NATO and welcomes the consistency in strengthening military assistance to Ukraine. This position demonstrates that the West is not just an observer, but an active player, ready to continue investing in Europe’s security through support for Ukraine.
Peace is a desirable goal, but not at any cost. And the key to this process is not pressure on Ukraine, but pressure on the aggressor. This logic dominates the current foreign policy course of the United States.
