Rubio Cautions Against Quick Resolutions in Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks

U.S. officials head to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia regarding Ukraine, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio expresses skepticism about immediate breakthroughs in peace negotiations. Concerns about Putin’s motives and the need for Ukrainian participation remain central, while President Zelenskyy calls for continued U.S. military support amid ongoing conflict.

Senior U.S. officials are traveling to Saudi Arabia this week for discussions with Russian diplomats aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for three years. Despite these efforts, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed caution regarding the likelihood of achieving immediate results. He remarked in an interview that establishing peace is a complex process that cannot be resolved through a single meeting.

Following a recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, there is a commitment to initiate peace negotiations. Rubio emphasized that the real test lies in whether Putin is genuinely interested in sustainable and equitable negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine. He further noted uncertainty regarding Russia’s representatives in the talks.

Accompanying the U.S. officials, Trump’s Middle East envoy and national security adviser are set to engage in discussions in Riyadh, where a Ukrainian delegation has also arrived, preparing for a potential visit from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The framework and direction of these discussions remain largely undefined at this point.

Rubio underscored that Ukraine must play an integral role once substantive negotiations commence. In a separate interview, Zelenskyy firmly asserted his rejection of any agreements made between the United States and Russia concerning Ukraine without Ukrainian involvement. He criticized Putin, characterizing him as deceitful and stating, “I said that he is a liar.”

Zelenskyy expressed doubts about the sincerity of Putin’s desire for peace, emphasizing to Trump that true intentions do not align with dialogue. While the United States has been a crucial supplier of arms to Ukraine during the conflict, Trump’s position on continued support has fluctuated, raising concerns about Ukraine’s capacity to prevail against Russia without it.

Given that Russia currently occupies around 20% of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, Zelenskyy warned of dire consequences without ongoing military aid from the United States, stating that survival chances would be significantly diminished without such support.

In conclusion, the situation regarding peace talks for Ukraine is complex and uncertain. Although discussions are set to take place in Saudi Arabia, Secretary of State Rubio remains skeptical about immediate progress. With key Ukrainian leaders asserting their need for involvement in negotiations, the overarching theme reflects a cautious approach to any potential resolution, emphasizing the necessity of U.S. support for Ukraine as the conflict continues.

Original Source: www.voanews.com