On Sunday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will continue its efforts to create a framework aimed at bringing an end to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine; however, he acknowledged that success may not be achievable.
Rubio indicated, “If peace cannot be established… and the war continues, thousands of people will continue to lose their lives… Unfortunately, that possibility exists, but we do not desire it.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be joined by European leaders for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, seeking his support as Trump pushes Ukraine to accept a swift peace agreement following his recent meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Rubio remarked, “There are matters that were discussed during this meeting that could lead to progress,” adding that security guarantees for Ukraine will be among the topics addressed.
Sources have indicated that Trump and Putin deliberated over proposals for Russia to relinquish small territories in the regions it occupies in exchange for Ukraine conceding fortified land in the east and freezing frontline positions in other areas.
Rubio emphasized that both sides will need to make concessions if they hope to reach a peace agreement.