WASHINGTON, DC – The top US diplomat Marco Rubio expressed cautious optimism Tuesday over efforts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the difficulty of reaching a resolution and the central role of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The Secretary of State, who has spent the past few weeks laying the groundwork for potential proposals, stayed home on Tuesday while the US delegation traveled to Moscow – a move reflecting both the delicate nature of the negotiations and his ongoing behind-the-scenes coordination role.
Speaking on Fox News’ Hannity, Rubio said Ukraine appears ready to negotiate, but warned the war remains deeply entrenched and costly.
He framed the Russia-Ukraine conflict as “the most illogical war,” noting that Russian forces are losing roughly 7,000 soldiers per week – more than some US wars have lost in their entirety.
“What they’re literally fighting over now is about a 30 to 50 kilometer space and the 20 percent of the Donetsk region that remains,” Rubio said, highlighting how much of the fighting centers on a relatively small stretch of territory.
Long-term goals: security, prosperity
Rubio outlined US objectives for Ukraine, focusing on long-term security and economic growth.
He described the strategy as aiming to stop the war and prevent future invasions, guarantee Ukraine’s long-term sovereignty, and support economic recovery and growth to turn Ukraine into a story of prosperity.
He emphasized that US diplomacy seeks to ensure Ukraine remains a fully independent country capable of rebuilding its economy and emerging as a regional economic competitor in the next decade.
Rubio also said that meaningful negotiations must include both Kyiv and Moscow. “You can’t end the war between Russia and Ukraine without talking to Russia,” he said, addressing critics who oppose engagement with Moscow.
Rubio noted that US efforts aim to bridge the divide between the parties while taking into account the Ukrainian perspective and their demonstrated resilience in pushing back Russian advances.
US role: supportive, not combatant
The Secretary framed the US as a facilitator rather than a direct participant in the fighting. “It’s not our war. We’re not fighting it; there aren’t American soldiers. It’s on another continent. We are engaged because we’re the only ones that can,” he said.
Rubio added that European nations and China do not have the ability to mediate effectively, making US engagement unique and essential.
Rubio also described the war as a costly battle of attrition.
He noted that Russia initially controlled substantially more Ukrainian territory than it does now. “Putin a couple of weeks ago said: It may take long – we are going to achieve our objectives; it may cost more and take longer than we want it to, but we will get it done,” Rubio said, adding, “And that’s their mentality.”
Cautious optimism, outcome depends on Putin
When asked about the likelihood of a peace agreement, Rubio offered measured hope, emphasizing that ultimate decisions lie with Putin.
“Ultimately the decisions have to be made, in the case of Russia, by Putin alone, not his advisors. Only Putin can end this war on the Russian side,” he said.
After 10 months of engagement, Rubio said progress has been made but cautioned that a resolution is not yet within reach. “We’ve gotten closer, but we’re still not there. That could change. I hope it changes,” he said.
For Rubio, the coming weeks could prove decisive, with the success of these talks resting not on US power, but on whether Moscow is willing to play along – and whether Ukraine’s hard-won gains can be preserved in the bargain.