US Secretary of State Marco Rubio believes that ending the Russia-Ukraine war through diplomatic negotiations is currently “proving elusive”.

Source: European Pravda, citing Rubio in an interview with Greek newspaper Kathimerini

Details: Rubio believes that Russia’s war against Ukraine has reached “a strategic stalemate” that can only be broken through negotiations or further escalation.

He acknowledged that diplomatic efforts are failing because Russia is demanding full control of the Donbas and Ukraine refuses to accept it.

Quote: “Right now, there don’t seem to be prospects of a negotiated settlement. We are prepared to play whatever role we can in making that happen. And we have tried in the past, but so far it’s been elusive. The Russians have defined victory as the totality of Donetsk… And that’s a condition that, for Ukraine, is simply unacceptable.”

Details: Rubio stressed that the US remains willing to “play a constructive role, to make it [a diplomatic solution] happen”. He also expressed concern over a possible escalation of the war.

Quote: “Just yesterday, some ships were attacked in the Black Sea through a coordinated drone attack. We’re worried about a sabotage operation in a neighboring country that can spiral out of control.”

Details: Rubio added that there are clear indications Russia plans to exploit the coming winter to destroy Ukraine’s power grid and force Kyiv to capitulate. Rubio also mentioned that Ukraine, for its part, has enhanced its ability to conduct long-range strikes deep into Russian territory.

Quote: “So, we share the same concern. The whole world is going about this thing like something that could escalate and perhaps become a broader conflict. So, we stand prepared to facilitate and continue to explore any opportunity for a negotiated settlement. We think it would be good for Russia and Ukraine.”

Background:

• Rubio said Washington would try to secure an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, although he acknowledged that doing so would be difficult.
• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is willing to participate in a technical-level trilateral meeting with Russia and the US. The Atlantic previously reported that representatives from the US, Ukraine and Russia may meet in October in Abu Dhabi to discuss the possibility of a partial ceasefire – a mutual agreement to refrain from strikes on energy infrastructure.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv has received four sets of proposals on a possible ceasefire from India, Türkiye, Egypt and the US and is prepared to consider different options for ending the fighting.

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https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/10/08/8057009/