Rubio says Ukraine-US-Russia talks on pause, denies pressure on Kyiv
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia are currently on pause. But Washington assumes their resumption under certain conditions, says US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden.
He noted that the US joined the negotiation process because, according to him, it was the only party both Ukraine and Russia were willing to talk to.
"They (talks - ed.) were not fruitful, unfortunately. We stand ready to continue to play that role. Despite leaks that are not true, despite stories out there about us forcing Ukrainians to take this position or that position that are not true," Rubio said.
The US Secretary of State stressed that such negotiations are not currently taking place. He added that the US is ready for further meetings if it sees an opportunity to organize talks that will be productive and capable of delivering results.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio comments on Ukraine-US-Russia talks pic.twitter.com/kyH4u7Rxla
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"Over the last few months, sort of sense, there was not a lot of progress being made, but maybe dynamics will change."
Rubio added that the US is not interested in being drawn into "an endless cycle of meetings that lead to nothing."
He emphasized that the war in Ukraine can only end through a negotiated settlement. In his opinion, it will not end with a military victory by Kyiv or Moscow "at least from the traditional standpoint of how military victories are defined."
Diplomatic discussions regarding a possible resumption of the peace process have intensified recently. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready for negotiations as early as the coming weeks, with the participation of the US and the EU.
Amid growing fatigue in Russian society and economic difficulties, the Kremlin has begun shaping "an image of victory" to prepare the domestic audience for a possible end to the war and present future agreements as a success.
