Rubio: U.S. poised to assist in ending Ukraine war
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Trump administration is set to aid efforts to conclude the “senseless war” in Ukraine, but acknowledged that there is no quick resolution in sight, asserting that diplomacy will necessitate sustained effort and fresh ideas, reports BritPanorama.
Rubio, following discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, highlighted the need for both Moscow and Kyiv to be incentivized to bring an end to what he termed a “very bloody war,” which has ravaged both sides.
He characterized previously U.S.-mediated talks as “unsuccessful or at least unfruitful” but reaffirmed President Donald Trump’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution “if conditions and factors have changed to make that possible.”
“That’s been the challenge, an end that both sides can accept. And we’ve tried, and we’ll continue to try to see if we can, you know, find a middle ground that brings this about. We’re prepared to play that role if the opportunity presents itself,” Rubio remarked to reporters.
In response to questions during the meeting, Lavrov largely evaded inquiries, with the Russian Foreign Ministry stating that he reiterated the “unacceptability of further arming” Ukraine and accused European nations of pursuing Russia’s “strategic defeat.”
Moreover, Lavrov expressed Russia’s readiness for “a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict,” aligning with previously established agreements made during a summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Trump in Alaska last year.
The Kremlin’s outlook on a swift resolution remains cautious. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned a hope that U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner might visit Moscow when feasible, indicating Russia’s intent to maintain dialogue with the United States.
In terms of military support, Rubio confirmed that Washington’s assistance for Ukraine remains consistent, with arms transfers continuing via NATO’s PURL initiative.
“There’s been no change to our policy in that regard. We want a peace deal. We want the war to end,” he added.
The discussions took place along the sidelines of the annual gathering of foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Manila.
These three days of closed-door meetings have also addressed the escalating war in the Middle East, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and tensions in the South China Sea, where a new incident was reported on Thursday.
U.S. efforts to mediate an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict have diminished as negotiations stalled, overshadowed by events in the Middle East.
As expectations arise for renewed discussions regarding the conclusion of hostilities, Ukraine has made notable strides this year. However, internal rifts among defense leaders may complicate its ongoing efforts, particularly following President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s significant governmental reshuffle, including changes in military leadership.
