US Secretary of State outlines key to peace in Ukraine
Photo: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (Getty Images)
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a just peace between Ukraine and Russia is impossible without active European leadership, according to the US State Department.
Rubio made the remarks following a meeting with the foreign ministers of the Transatlantic Quint:
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French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot
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German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul
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Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani
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UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy
Secretary Rubio briefed the ministers on President Trump’s efforts to end the senseless bloodshed in Ukraine. He emphasized that strong European leadership is essential to bring Russia and Ukraine to the table in good faith and secure a swift and lasting peace.
According to the US State Department, the Secretary and the foreign ministers agreed on the urgent need to increase NATO burden-sharing and European defense spending.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that US defense companies are an integral part of the transatlantic industrial base and should not be left behind in Europe's rearmament efforts.
Rubio also reiterated the United States' desire to give Syria a chance for greatness. The two leaders also discussed shared priorities, including preventing Iran from developing or obtaining nuclear weapons and countering China's influence.
Earlier today, Rubio said that US President Donald Trump was ready for any mechanism to end Russia's war with Ukraine.
Earlier today, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that the United States and Europe are now "on the same page" regarding sanctions against Russia.
And shortly before that, the French Foreign Minister said he would discuss new sanctions against Russia with US Senator Lindsey Graham, which, in his words, could "grab Russia by the throat".
