Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for negotiations with Ukrainian officials on a potential end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
Secretary Rubio’s meeting with Ukrainian officials follows President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Vlodymyr Zelesnkyy’s recent acerbic discussion in the Oval Office.
The discussion initiated the rapid deterioration of US-Ukraine relations, as the US subsequently paused all military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine.
While President Trump and Rubio are hopeful for a near end to the war, President Zelenskyy recently reportedly stated the end of the Ukraine-Russia war is “still very, very far away,” inciting Trump’s immediate rebukes.
“This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer,” said Trump.
Trump, who has repeatedly stated he intends to end the Russia-Ukraine war, claimed Zelenskyy’s attitude is misplaced and will frustrate a potential end to the war.
“It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be peace as long as he has America’s backing,” continued Trump.
Zelenskyy was originally scheduled to sign an agreement – that was never finalized – with the US to exchange continued US military support for rights over portions of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits.
While talking to reporters heading into Riyadh, Rubio implied Ukraine, as Russia, will have to make concessions on their positions to reach a peace agreement.
“The most important thing that we have to leave here with is a strong sense that Ukraine is prepared to do difficult things, like the Russians are going to have to do difficult things, to end this conflict or at least pause it in some way, shape, or form,” said Rubio.
Rubio continued, emphasizing the idea that neither side will be able to reach a peaceful end to the war without acquiescing to the other’s demands.
“You’re not going to get a ceasefire and an end to this war unless both sides make concessions,” stated Rubio. “That’s just obvious.”
