US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has acknowledged that peace negotiations on Ukraine have stalled but said Washington is ready to continue mediating if the talks become constructive.
Source: Rubio speaking to journalists in Sweden on Friday 22 May, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Rubio again acknowledged that the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the US have not produced meaningful results. He also rejected claims that Washington is pressuring Ukraine and reiterated the US willingness to continue acting as a mediator.
Quote: “Despite leaks that are not true, despite stories out there about us forcing the Ukrainians to take this position or that position, which are not true. If we see an opportunity to pull together talks that are productive, not counterproductive, and that have the chance to be fruitful, we’re prepared to play that role.”
Details: Rubio said that such talks are not currently taking place.
“But we hope that will change because that war can only end with a negotiated settlement. It will not end with a military victory by one side or the other, at least from a traditional standpoint of how military victories are defined,” he noted.
The secretary of state added that there appears to be no one else in the world currently capable of facilitating a settlement between Ukraine and Russia. However, he noted that “if someone else would like to handle it, they should”.
Quote: “So, we’re more than happy to do that if the opportunity presents itself to have constructive and productive talks. We’re also not interested in getting involved in an endless cycle of meetings that lead to nothing.”
Background:
- On 20 May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported “productive” interactions with the US, expressing hope that peace talks with Russia could resume, potentially with European participation.
- Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US and Russia have effectively stalled since the US-Israeli war against Iran began in late February. Ukraine and Russia have, however, maintained bilateral contact with the US.
- EU foreign ministers will discuss the strengths of possible candidates for the role of negotiator with Russia on a peace settlement in Ukraine at a meeting in Cyprus next week.
© 2026 Ukrainska Pravda
Why is this guy in the current US admin? Unlike all the others, he seems to have 1/2 a brain…
Unlike all the otherZ? The otherZ don’t even have a brain to begin with.
Perhaps he might name one time that russia have had pressure placed on them by the TACO regime. They have certainly pressured Ukraine, despite what mr big shoes says.
The solution is right in front of him and he doesn’t see it. Perhaps the US acting as Moderator IS the problem. The US should be the arsenal of democracy and the shining light on the hill, not some umpire. We are just bad at it. We tried it with the JCPOA and failed, with START 1 and 2, they failed. And Budapest wasn’t even ratified. We should stand with what we’ve always stood with, freedom and liberty.
Freedom Christ and Justice.
In the meantime Tulsi Gabbard resigned voluntarily.
Maybe the problem lies with the aggressor and those who side with them constantly during every “peace” negotiation!
The TACO promises to putler in Alaska fell apart. The real estate agents were never involved in any peace talks, just back door deals. They never once set foot in Ukraine, yet visited mafia land on numerous occasions.