US explains its position on mediating in the Ukraine conflict
Washington has made it clear that it will continue to engage in efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, despite a recent State Department statement that hinted at a potential withdrawal from negotiations. Secretary of State Marco...
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Washington has made it clear that it will continue to engage in efforts to mediate peace between Russia and Ukraine, despite a recent State Department statement that hinted at a potential withdrawal from negotiations. Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed this commitment on Friday but noted that if talks remain stagnant, the US may need to “move on.”
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce had earlier stated, “If there is no progress between the two parties, we would step back as a mediator,” during a briefing with reporters.
In a subsequent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Rubio remarked, “We’re not going to give up on it in the sense that we’re not going to be ready to help if we can.” He emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with US President Donald Trump, saying, “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 under the Biden administration in 2022, “is not our war,” citing the US's current prioritization of challenges posed by China and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In a follow-up interview with Fox News, Bruce reinforced that “Right now, our posture is the same, but if there is no progress, it will change.” She dismissed any claims that the administration is stepping away from peace efforts.
Since taking office in January, Trump has encouraged both Moscow and Kiev to reach a ceasefire but has expressed increasing frustration over the lack of advancements.
In a recent development, Moscow indicated its willingness for direct negotiations with Kiev “without preconditions,” and President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with next week’s Victory Day celebrations. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky rejected the proposal, describing it as “an attempt at manipulation.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce had earlier stated, “If there is no progress between the two parties, we would step back as a mediator,” during a briefing with reporters.
In a subsequent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Rubio remarked, “We’re not going to give up on it in the sense that we’re not going to be ready to help if we can.” He emphasized that the ultimate decision rests with US President Donald Trump, saying, “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 under the Biden administration in 2022, “is not our war,” citing the US's current prioritization of challenges posed by China and Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
In a follow-up interview with Fox News, Bruce reinforced that “Right now, our posture is the same, but if there is no progress, it will change.” She dismissed any claims that the administration is stepping away from peace efforts.
Since taking office in January, Trump has encouraged both Moscow and Kiev to reach a ceasefire but has expressed increasing frustration over the lack of advancements.
In a recent development, Moscow indicated its willingness for direct negotiations with Kiev “without preconditions,” and President Vladimir Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire to coincide with next week’s Victory Day celebrations. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky rejected the proposal, describing it as “an attempt at manipulation.”
Alejandro Jose Martinez for TROIB News
