Russia and Ukraine must make concessions to achieve peace, says Rubio

Trump’s position on the war in Ukraine has not changed since his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.

“I don’t think his mind has changed at all. I think ultimately, if this whole effort doesn’t work out, then there is going to have to be additional consequences to Russia. But we’re trying to avoid that by reaching a peace agreement,” Rubio said in an appearance on ABC News.

He noted that the parties are not yet close to an agreement, but progress has been made.

“We’re not at the precipice of a peace agreement. We’re not at the edge of one. But I do think progress was made,” Rubio said. “You can’t have a peace agreement unless both sides give and get. You can’t have a peace agreement unless both sides make concessions.”

Rubio stated that a peace agreement cannot be reached if only one side is involved in the negotiations, and the goal of the U.S. is to bring both sides to the negotiating table.

Rubio also denied reports that the United States is in favor of the cession of Ukrainian territories, emphasizing that only Ukraine can make such a decision, and they are not forcing the Ukrainian side to take that step.

“If the Ukrainians don’t want to give up that territory, no one will force them. I don’t think that will be part of a peace agreement,” he said.