Rubio Stresses Need for Concessions in Ukraine Peace Talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that both Russia and Ukraine must “get something” from any peace agreement to resolve the ongoing conflict.
While he didn’t detail the concessions Ukraine might have to make, Rubio indicated that it could be a complex and challenging matter.
Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Ukraine’s Donetsk regions—still under Ukrainian control—could be exchanged for peace. The Ukrainian president flatly rejected this proposition.
“If you’re honest and serious here, what’s necessary to stop the battle is something that both parties have to give, and both sides should expect to get something from now on,” Rubio stated in an interview with CBS News.
He acknowledged the hardships faced by Ukraine, noting the invasion and the difficult circumstances, while mentioning that Russia seems to have some momentum on the battlefield.
Rubio didn’t elaborate on the specific territorial concessions Ukraine might need to consider.
Recently, Trump echoed sentiments about Ukraine possibly needing to give up land to Russia to end hostilities. During a summit in Alaska, Putin called for Ukraine to relinquish a portion of Donetsk, a resource-rich region where Russian is predominantly spoken.
In return, Putin expressed willingness to halt advances in regions like Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, which have posed challenges for Russian progress.
There are concerns that if Ukraine were to yield more territory, it could set a troubling precedent, potentially allowing Russia to make further demands in the future. Jake Sullivan, a former national security adviser, warned that ceding land could enable future attacks on Ukraine.
“Even if it’s in Russian law, we definitely shouldn’t trust their assurances,” Sullivan remarked on “Fox News Sunday.”
Before Trump’s meeting with Putin, he threatened to impose significant sanctions on nations that purchase Russian oil.
Rubio emphasized caution regarding these sanctions, fearing they might stall peace talks for an extended period.
“If the president declared strong sanctions on Russia, that’s fine,” he told Fox News on “Sunday Morning Futures.” “But basically, you’d be saying the discussion is over. There’d be no more dialogue for the foreseeable future.”
Moreover, Rubio noted that while Trump has shifted focus from a ceasefire to a comprehensive peace agreement, the option for a ceasefire remains open. “No, it’s not off the table,” he said during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
He also expressed skepticism about the likelihood of Russia retaining all the territory it has occupied, accounting for nearly 20% of Ukraine. “If there’s a peace agreement, it wouldn’t look like that,” Rubio stated, acknowledging the demands Putin is making that Ukrainians and others would likely resist.
