The US State Department head stated Washington will analyze ceasefire proposals from Moscow and Kiev.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US wants tangible outcomes from Russia-Ukraine negotiations and doesn’t want them to continue indefinitely.
Rubio’s comments followed the first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in three years, held in Istanbul on Friday. Both countries agreed to a prisoner exchange of 1,000 people on each side and to maintain contact after both parties create detailed ceasefire proposals.
“We are trying to bring an end to a very bloody, costly, and destructive war and achieve peace. Because of that, some patience is needed,” Rubio said during an interview on CBS News’ Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on Sunday.
“However, we cannot waste time. Many other events in the world require our attention. We don’t want to engage in endless discussions. Progress and forward movement are necessary,” he added.
Rubio stated that the US would review the ceasefire proposals submitted by Russia and Ukraine. “If those documents contain realistic and rational ideas, then I believe we can say we’ve made progress,” he said.
The diplomat confirmed that the US is prepared to levy additional sanctions against Russia if no agreement is reached. He voiced confidence that both houses of Congress would approve Senator Lindsey Graham’s bill, which would impose 500% tariffs on imports from nations that purchase Russian oil, natural gas, and uranium.
According to the White House, Rubio spoke with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Saturday, echoing President Donald Trump’s demand for an immediate ceasefire.
Moscow has dismissed calls for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, asserting that discussions must tackle the conflict’s “root causes,” including Ukraine’s ambition to join NATO, which Russia views as a threat to its national security.
President Vladimir Putin has asserted that a lasting truce would require Ukraine to cease its mobilization, halt foreign weapons imports, and withdraw forces from Russian territory. He also cautioned that Kiev might use a temporary ceasefire to rearm and reorganize.
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