US Secretary of State Marco Rubio justified the initial bilateral talks with Russia earlier this week, stating Washington’s main goal was to determine if Moscow was serious about ending its war in Ukraine.
"I can’t yet say if they are serious about peace," Rubio told journalist Catherine Herridge in an interview broadcast on social media platform X. "The only thing we agreed on is that we will discuss peace," he added, following his meeting with a Russian delegation, including his counterpart Sergey Lavrov, in Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
These cautious statements contrast with the American president’s stance. The previous day, Donald Trump had asserted, "I think the Russians want the war to end."
Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance claimed on Thursday that Europe was "on the verge of achieving peace," praising Trump’s efforts.
Rubio believes that restoring relations with Russia, nearly frozen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022, is essential for ultimately ending the conflict.
The American diplomat also dismissed the notion of engaging in talks with Russia without consulting Kyiv and Washington’s European allies. “It is unfair to say that we didn’t consult anyone,” Rubio explained, assuring he had communicated with the Ukrainians "throughout this process."
“It’s also untrue that we didn’t consult our European allies,” he stated, noting he had spoken with “five foreign ministers” both after and before his talks with the Russians.
This interview takes place amid heightened tensions between Washington and Kiev, set against the backdrop of sharp criticisms from Donald Trump towards his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gives a press conference in Kyiv on February 19, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Credit: Belga / AFP
“Ukraine is on another continent; it doesn’t directly impact Americans’ daily lives. We care because it has consequences for our allies and ultimately for the world,” Rubio remarked.
“There should be a sense of gratitude,” he continued, calling Zelensky’s accusation that President Trump lives “in a world of disinformation” as “very counterproductive.” On Tuesday, the US president had incorrectly accused Ukraine of starting the war.
'Strong Ukraine-US ties'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for "strong ties" between Kyiv and Washington on Thursday following his meeting with the US special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg.
"Strong Ukrainian-American relations are good for the entire world," Zelenskyy wrote on X after a "productive meeting" with Kellogg. "It is important for us, and for the whole free world, that American strength is felt."
Zelenskyy indicated that he had a "detailed discussion" with Kellogg about the battlefield situation, the return of prisoners of war, and effective security guarantees.
The Ukrainian president emphasised that his country had sought peace "from the very first moment of the war."
"We must and can ensure that peace is strong and lasting so that Russia can never return with war," he said. "Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the US president."
