Rubio says Ukraine would not exist as a sovereign state without US support
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
Without Washington’s support, Ukraine would not exist as a state, believes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, according to Bloomberg.
“If it were not for the assistance of the United States, including under the Trump administration, there would be no Ukraine right now. Ukraine as a sovereign state would not exist,” Rubio told reporters on Wednesday during a visit to India.
Rubio was responding to a question about a report by The Wall Street Journal, according to which Elon Musk, head of SpaceX, ordered the satellite system Starlink to slow down. It helps Ukraine repel Russian air attacks.
The media cited anonymous US and other officials. According to them, Musk discussed the decision with US President Donald Trump after the slowdown became publicly known. Another source told the media that Musk, a Trump ally, had discussed the matter with administration officials even before the changes took effect.
What Rubio said about Starlink
“It’s not accurate that we somehow knew about this ahead of time or directed it in any way,” Rubio said in response to a question about the report.
He said he was unaware of whether the president had known about it in advance. Moreover, the US cannot control what a private company does with its product in any case.
Rubio added that the US would no longer continue to justify itself on this issue. He also said that Ukrainian troops were bravely resisting Russia.
According to Rubio, very difficult negotiations are currently underway to end the war, which is now in its fifth year. They are focused on the fate of Donbas in eastern Ukraine. The sides have already proposed several creative ideas to reach an understanding.
“Both sides will have to agree to give up on something and those conversations are difficult. I think for Ukraine, the predominant desire is to ensure their long-term security and safety, so that they’re never re-invaded or re-attacked in the future,” Rubio said.
The US hopes that lifting sanctions on Russian diesel will push the Kremlin leader toward concessions.
Witkoff is expected to present Putin with an updated proposal to end the war, while Trump’s adviser and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will join the conversation via video call.
Finnish President Alexander Stubb said after the talks in Oslo that the sides had found ideas for a peaceful settlement, including air defense, energy facilities, and partial ceasefires. The ideas are to be presented to Russia.
