Washington affirms commitment to facilitating negotiations
Despite earlier remarks suggesting a potential withdrawal from mediation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio asserted that the U.S. remains committed to helping Russia and Ukraine find a peaceful resolution. He cautioned, however, that the U.S. might disengage if negotiations remain at a standstill.
“If there is no progress between the two parties, we would step back as a mediator,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce had stated to reporters previously.
Rubio clarified on Fox News that the U.S. will remain available to assist if possible, emphasizing that President Trump will ultimately decide whether to continue mediation efforts. “At some point in time, it either has to be something that can happen or we all need to move on. That’ll be a decision the president will have to make.”
Rubio also highlighted that the conflict, which intensified in 2022 under the Biden administration, “is not our war,” and the U.S. now prioritizes its relationships with China and addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Bruce later clarified to Fox News that “Right now, our posture is the same, but if there is no progress, it will change,” reaffirming the administration’s continued commitment to peace initiatives.
Since his return to office in January, Trump has been encouraging both Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire but has recently expressed disappointment with the lack of advancement.
Recently, Moscow declared its readiness for direct talks with Kiev “without preconditions,” and President Vladimir Putin has directed Russian forces to observe a 72-hour ceasefire during the upcoming Victory Day celebrations. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky dismissed the proposition, denouncing it as “an attempt at manipulation.”
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