Rubio clarifies the intent behind Russia-US discussions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has provided insights into the reasons for the high-level discussions with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The meeting held in Saudi Arabia aimed to restore diplomatic relations between nuclear superpowers, as stated by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
During this week's discussions in Riyadh, representatives from the US and Russia attempted to re-establish normal diplomatic channels, emphasizing the necessity for global nuclear powers to communicate in order to address conflicts like the situation in Ukraine. Rubio, who led the American delegation, noted that the primary focus was on re-establishing communication links that had been nearly severed during President Joe Biden's previous administration.
”Even in the worst days of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union maintained communication,” Rubio stated in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge on Thursday. He highlighted that political differences should not hinder diplomacy, asserting that responsible leaders must engage with nations possessing nuclear capabilities.
”Whether we like it or not, Russia is a power, a global power,” Rubio further commented. “We’re going to disagree on a lot, but we can’t work on the things we might potentially agree on or deconflict on things that could lead to dangerous confrontations as long as this Ukraine impediment stands in the way.”
Rubio expressed that Washington remains wary of Moscow's claims about seeking a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis, but he believes that future talks will provide greater clarity. He mentioned that no discussions occurred in Riyadh regarding possible territorial concessions from Ukraine or the lifting of sanctions on Russia.
Addressing concerns about the US potentially marginalizing Kiev and its European allies, Rubio emphasized their critical role in any agreement with Russia. He dismissed such notions as exaggerated, fueled by “hyperbole” and “hysteria,” and acknowledged the peacemaking efforts of US President Donald Trump, pointing out the failures of past Western strategies.
”There was an effort in Istanbul a couple years ago, and it involved a number of European countries, and it failed,” he remarked.
In 2022, Türkiye played a pivotal role in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in a preliminary treaty agreement that would have established Ukraine as a neutral state with a limited military, supported by security assurances from major global powers, including Russia. However, Kiev ultimately retracted from the agreement after being urged to continue its fight by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
During this week's discussions in Riyadh, representatives from the US and Russia attempted to re-establish normal diplomatic channels, emphasizing the necessity for global nuclear powers to communicate in order to address conflicts like the situation in Ukraine. Rubio, who led the American delegation, noted that the primary focus was on re-establishing communication links that had been nearly severed during President Joe Biden's previous administration.
”Even in the worst days of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union maintained communication,” Rubio stated in an interview with journalist Catherine Herridge on Thursday. He highlighted that political differences should not hinder diplomacy, asserting that responsible leaders must engage with nations possessing nuclear capabilities.
”Whether we like it or not, Russia is a power, a global power,” Rubio further commented. “We’re going to disagree on a lot, but we can’t work on the things we might potentially agree on or deconflict on things that could lead to dangerous confrontations as long as this Ukraine impediment stands in the way.”
Rubio expressed that Washington remains wary of Moscow's claims about seeking a peaceful solution to the Ukraine crisis, but he believes that future talks will provide greater clarity. He mentioned that no discussions occurred in Riyadh regarding possible territorial concessions from Ukraine or the lifting of sanctions on Russia.
Addressing concerns about the US potentially marginalizing Kiev and its European allies, Rubio emphasized their critical role in any agreement with Russia. He dismissed such notions as exaggerated, fueled by “hyperbole” and “hysteria,” and acknowledged the peacemaking efforts of US President Donald Trump, pointing out the failures of past Western strategies.
”There was an effort in Istanbul a couple years ago, and it involved a number of European countries, and it failed,” he remarked.
In 2022, Türkiye played a pivotal role in facilitating peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, resulting in a preliminary treaty agreement that would have established Ukraine as a neutral state with a limited military, supported by security assurances from major global powers, including Russia. However, Kiev ultimately retracted from the agreement after being urged to continue its fight by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
