U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that neither Ukraine nor Russia possesses the strategic capabilities for a rapid end to the conflict, and the United States will not participate indefinitely in negotiations without progress.
Source: Rubio made his remarks during a press conference at Le Bourget Airport in Paris.
According to him, the war has reached a deadlock, and neither side currently has sufficient resources for a quick victory.
He emphasized that delays in peace initiatives will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, leading to rising casualties on both sides. For instance, Rubio referenced a recent missile strike in Sumy on Palm Sunday that resulted in civilian deaths.
Direct quote: "We need to determine if peace is achievable in the short term. I can tell you this: this war does not have a military solution. It truly does not. Neither side has the strategic potential for a quick resolution to this conflict. Therefore, we are discussing preventing the deaths of thousands of people over the next year."
According to the Secretary, the Trump administration has already spent three years and billions of dollars supporting Ukraine, but the U.S. is not willing to engage indefinitely in negotiations without a genuine desire for peace.
"We are prepared to engage as long as necessary, but not indefinitely, without progress," Rubio stressed.
Background:
- Rubio arrived in Paris on April 17 to participate in initial discussions regarding Ukraine involving Americans, Europeans, and Ukrainians, as ceasefire negotiations initiated by Washington are stalling.
- On April 18, he stated that it is necessary to "determine in the coming days" whether peace in Ukraine is achievable, emphasizing that "the United States has other priorities."
- Rubio previously indicated that the U.S. might abandon efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine if there is no visible progress in the next few days.
- President Donald Trump confirmed that he might cease attempts to establish a "peace agreement" between Ukraine and Russia if progress is not made, although he did not specify any conditions for this to occur.