Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Sunday that the “sole solution” to the conflict in Ukraine would be negotiations, necessitating both Russia and Ukraine to “concede something.”
“There is no military resolution to this conflict,” Rubio informed NBC News’ Kristen Welker during “Meet the Press.” “The only resolution to this conflict would involve a negotiated agreement where both sides must relinquish their claimed desires and provide to the other side what they do not seek.”
“That’s how peace is achieved, and that’s our goal here, so fewer lives are lost,” he continued.
Since President Trump assumed office a few months ago, his administration has been advocating for an end to the war in Ukraine, communicating with both Ukrainian President Voldymi Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Trump and Zelensky convened in Rome on Saturday prior to Pope Francis’s funeral, following his passing last week.
“Productive meeting. We covered many topics in one,” Zelensky shared on the social platform X about the meeting on Saturday. “We anticipate the results from our discussions.”
“We will safeguard our people’s lives. An absolute and unconditional ceasefire. A stable and enduring peace is one that averts future wars. A highly symbolic gathering that could become historic if we achieve joint outcomes,” he added. “Thanks to @Potus.”
On Thursday, Trump voiced his displeasure with Moscow following a deadly strike in the Ukrainian capital.
“I am unhappy with Russia’s attack on Kiev,” Trump posted on The Truth Society. “Unnecessary, very poorly timed. Vladimir, cease! 5,000 soldiers are dying every week. Let’s finalize the peace agreement!”
Rubio, who appeared on “Meet the Press” on Sunday, asserted that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia “must conclude now.”
“For this conflict to cease, there are objectives that Russia wishes to avoid, as well as goals that Ukraine does not wish to acquire,” the Secretary of State added.
