Rubio says Ukraine-Russia talks need mutual concessions
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (flickr.com)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine would require compromises. According to him, concessions are necessary from both sides, The Guardian reports.
"The only way to end this war is through a process of negotiations, and negotiations – be it in business, in commerce, or in geopolitics – involve both sides giving something, both sides making concessions," he said.
The US Secretary of State did not specify what the concessions would entail.
"That’ll have to be part of the negotiation, but it’s not going to be, it’s not going to be helpful to enter into those negotiations making blanket statements that may give an excuse for one side or the other not to participate in it," Rubio added.
He also commented on the G7 ministers' statement supporting Ukraine's territorial integrity. Rubio noted that this is "not a change in public policy," as "I have never heard president Trump say Russia has a right to take all of Ukraine and do whatever they want there."
At the same time, he emphasized that there is no military solution to the war, as neither Russia nor Ukraine can achieve their "maximalist goals."
Ceasefire proposal
After negotiations with the US held in Saudi Arabia on March 11, Ukraine agreed to a proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained, Ukraine agreed to show its readiness for peace. Zelenskyy expressed doubts about whether Russia would adhere to the ceasefire.
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed that he allegedly agreed to the US proposal, but added that any ceasefire should lead to a long-term resolution of the war.
