Rubio Says US Assessing Russia’s Commitment to Peace as He Concludes NATO Trip

BRUSSELS - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday wrapped his first trip to NATO by telling reporters that Washington was monitoring Russia’s actions closely to determine its seriousness about peace.

“We want to know whether they want to do peace or not, and if they do, then there’s a way there, and we’re willing to help. If they’re not, then it’s good to know earlier so we can adjust our policies accordingly,” Rubio told Kyiv Post’s Washington correspondent who is currently traveling with him.

Rubio went on to emphasize that it was still possible to end the war ‘on terms that are acceptable to both sides,’ and “that’s what we’re in the process of finding out.”

He then added: “We will know soon enough, in a matter of weeks, not months, whether Russia is serious about peace or not.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev was Washington this week. Rubio revealed without details that he had a chance to meet with Dmitriev, adding though more meetings were needed to sort out differences.

Asked by Kyiv Post about Russia’s continued targeting of Ukraine’s energy sites Rubio called it “a bad sign,” reiterating the importance of knowing Moscow’s intentions early to adjust U.S. policies accordingly.

The Trump administration had sought to achieve a 30-day ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Moscow said on Monday that any end to its invasion would be “a drawn-out process.”

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Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that if Israel attacks Beirut, it will trigger a “return to war” and insisted that any ceasefire must apply to both Iran and Lebanon. He said Iran’s return to negotiations would be conditional on securing the rights of the Iranian people and ending what he called the war against Iran, Lebanon and the entire region.

Kyiv Post also asked Rubio about concerns among the Western allies that Russia was preparing to launch a fresh campaign as the winter season ends. Rubio states that a massive offensive would indicate Russia is not interested in peace.

Rubio’s two-days long NATO trip was meant to be reassurance for skittish NATO colleagues as they assembled for the first time this year.

Ukraine’s future and European security remain existential questions for the alliance. Rubio highlighted NATO’s defense spending target, with the goal of reaching up to 5% of GDP.  He also insisted US remains committed to NATO